Cold snaps are tough on everyone, but they can be brutal on your plumbing. The science behind pipes bursting is simple: when water freezes, it expands. Since that extra pressure has nowhere to go but out, it can turn your pipes into ticking time bombs. And trust us - that’s the last thing you want to be dealing with in the dead of winter! In this blog, we’re sharing tips on how to keep your home plumbing flowing, especially during those periods of plummeting Canadian winter temperatures. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes To protect your exposed pipes in cold areas, like your attic, crawl space, basement, or garage, we recommend using pipe insulation materials. Ensure additional support by securing your insulation or tubing with straps or clamps. For pipes in tight or awkward areas, you could use poly and flexible materials to insulate. And remember to always install materials based on the manufacturer’s directions! Seal Up Cracks And Don’t Forget The Outdoors Small cracks can cause big trouble, so seal or caulk any gaps around your windows, doors and where pipes enter your home. And be mindful of your outdoor areas: disconnect your garden hoses, shut off and drain any outdoor faucets and cover them for extra protection throughout the winter months. Here are a few products to get rid of thin drafts that can cause your pipes to freeze and some outdoor maintenance solutions, too: Compression fittings are a great tool for repairing small leaks and ensuring a tight seal in your plumbing system. Solvents and tapes can be used to seal leaks or secure plumbing connections. Standard plumbing tools, including wrenches and tape, are critical for tackling repairs and maintenance efficiently. Tubing and hose accessories help with draining and winterizing outdoor faucets and garden hoses to prevent freezing. Let Your Faucets Drip This one seems simple, but it can make a world of difference. When the temperature drops, keep water moving through your pipes in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area or any other taps in your home. To keep your hot water supply steady and reliable during winter demand, ensure your hot water tank is working well and fully loaded with critical accessories well in advance of a temperature drop. Act Fast If Your Pipes Do Freeze If the unthinkable happens, and your pipes do freeze, it’s essential that you know where your shut-off valve is so you can act quickly. Take advantage of the warmer weather now to learn where your valve is. Make sure you have propane or torch accessories to thaw them safely, or contact a professional plumber for assistance. A little pre-winter prep now can keep your pipes and your wallet from experiencing an icy shock later. Stop by Lyons & Island TIMBER MART to gather your cold-weather plumbing supplies today!
Our Price Promise We are committed to providing quality products, industry best service and competitive pricing to all of our customers.
