Your KC Metro Plumbing Experts

Here are a few plumbing tips to help you save money!

Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on both outdoor and indoor plumbing. That’s why it’s imperative to take some precautionary steps before Winter in order to prevent a frozen pipe catastrophe. Outdoor water valves You’ll want to make sure all outdoor water valves are turned off and all hoses are empty and detached. Hoses should be stored for Winter and insulated covers added to spigots. These can be found at your local hardware store or provided by your trusted plumber. Open cabinet doors For pipes that run along the exterior of your home, it’s a good idea to open cabinets under faucets during freezing spells to help keep the pipes at room temperature. Close crawl space vents and garage door Open spaces such as the crawl space can allow cold air to get in and affect nearby pipes. Be sure to block off any spaces that are open to outside air and keep your garage door closed as much as possible when the temperature is below freezing. Thermostat You’ll want to keep your thermostat at a regular temperature to prevent fluctuations that could affect your plumbing. If you leave town for a winter vacation, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees to prevent freezing. Insulate pipes Pipe insulation is another good way to ensure your pipes remain in good working condition all year long. This can be done on your own using pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation strips from your local hardware store or you can call us in for professional help. If you’re going to DIY this project, be sure you use protective wear when handling fiberglass insulation and accurately measure and cut the protective materials to fit the pipes securely. If the task of winterizing your pipes seems a bit daunting or you just don’t have the time, give our experienced team at Genesis Plumbing a call and we’ll handle it for you.