Translating…
The nip in the air should remind us that winter is on its way, and with winter comes freezing temperatures. With unpredictable temperatures in the south, there is still a chance that temperatures could drop into the teens, and vulnerable exterior pipes can freeze quickly. However, you can avoid plumbing problems in the winter months by having your pipes inspected before the freezing weather arrives.
Why Have Your Pipes Inspected?
Often, the household issues we face are hidden in walls or beneath earth, where we can’t physically see any possible warning signs. Weakened pipes or aged pipes could be hiding behind our walls, and we wouldn’t know it until it’s too late. But, with a plumbing inspection, you can find out what problems hide in your walls.
Many older homes in the south have copper piping, which over time can corrode and weaken. This can leave a pipe vulnerable to exposure and damage, and in freezing weather can mean broken pipes. If you have an older home, it is best to have your pipes inspected each year to avoid any leaks or damage. Or, you may want to go ahead and have all the pipes replaced, as many older pipes may fail.
In newer homes, there may not be a corrosion worry with PVC pipes, but PVC pipes are still susceptible to weakened areas that occur in the manufacturing process. Nothing is 100% foolproof, and sometimes PVC pipes can break due to a weakened structure or slight damage incurred during the installation process. If pressure builds within the pipe, the weakened area will be the area in which the pipe will burst. A trained professional will be able to recognize these weakened areas or any structural damage that may pose a future problem.
A plumbing inspection can also alert you to any possible areas of exposure that could cause the pipes to freeze. Often holes in the home, like holes where the cable and telephone cords come into the room, can allow cold air to penetrate the interior walls and expose the pipes to subfreezing temperatures. This air can quickly freeze over a pipe, causing the water to freeze and water pressure to build. Before you know it, you have a broken pipe, and all because of a small hole in the wall which could have been repaired with a plumbing inspection.
Who Should You Call?
If you are concerned about pipes freezing over this winter, have your house inspected for any possible areas of exposure or pipe vulnerability. An inspection before the freezing temperatures roll in allows you to see any weaknesses and have them repair to avoid any further damage to your home. Call in a professional, reliable plumbing company to inspect your pipes today, before Old Man Winter gives you an unwelcomed gift this holiday season.