Here are some tips if you need plumbing done in Silver Spring, MD. What is plumbing? Plumbing is a series of pipes and fixtures for the movement of clean water and to remove waste water and sewage. The people who install and maintain this system are called plumbers.
In Silver Spring it can get cold. If your water freezes in the pipes it can be real messy and expensive to get fixed by a professional plumber. So take some tips from professional plumbers to avoid having to call them when you could have done a few simple things on your own. When it is time to call in the professionals, it can mean tearing up your lawn or driveway and being without water when you need it the most.
To avoid this call go to your local home improvement store and pick up some faucet covers. Faucet covers are insulated Styrofoam in the shape of a dome which are attached to your faucets. This will keep them from freezing and save you a lot of expense in repair bills. If you cannot afford the cover, wrap the faucets in rags and towels instead.
If you keep the water moving, this can be another way to keep pipes from freezing over. This works just like a river outdoors, which rarely freezes because the water is constantly moving. Just a little trickle will keep the water moving in the pipes to avoid freezing. Don't run them full force, though, as this can double your water bill which is not worth it.
Some houses have a crawl space under the house with exposed pipes. If this is the case, go down there and inspect the pipes. If they are not already wrapped with insulation, you need to either hire a professional or you can do it yourself. There are a couple of different products that you can use such as electric heat tape or fiberglass insulation. Again, most home improvement stores will carry these products. Wrapping the pipes will typically avoid having to run the water. If you decide to use the electric heat tape, make sure to read all instructions and precautions before applying the product. Not doing so could result in a fire.
You have pipes that run underground as well. For colder climates, the pipes are buried deeper to avoid freezing. In most cases they will not be a concern for freezing issues. These are codes mandated by the state. If you have issues you will need to contact the contractor and they will need to pay for the repair.
Hiring a plumber can be a daunting task. Get their references and try to establish a relationship with one before you need one. This way you have a contact should an emergency arise with pipes and other issues.
In Silver Spring it can get cold. If your water freezes in the pipes it can be real messy and expensive to get fixed by a professional plumber. So take some tips from professional plumbers to avoid having to call them when you could have done a few simple things on your own. When it is time to call in the professionals, it can mean tearing up your lawn or driveway and being without water when you need it the most.
To avoid this call go to your local home improvement store and pick up some faucet covers. Faucet covers are insulated Styrofoam in the shape of a dome which are attached to your faucets. This will keep them from freezing and save you a lot of expense in repair bills. If you cannot afford the cover, wrap the faucets in rags and towels instead.
If you keep the water moving, this can be another way to keep pipes from freezing over. This works just like a river outdoors, which rarely freezes because the water is constantly moving. Just a little trickle will keep the water moving in the pipes to avoid freezing. Don't run them full force, though, as this can double your water bill which is not worth it.
Some houses have a crawl space under the house with exposed pipes. If this is the case, go down there and inspect the pipes. If they are not already wrapped with insulation, you need to either hire a professional or you can do it yourself. There are a couple of different products that you can use such as electric heat tape or fiberglass insulation. Again, most home improvement stores will carry these products. Wrapping the pipes will typically avoid having to run the water. If you decide to use the electric heat tape, make sure to read all instructions and precautions before applying the product. Not doing so could result in a fire.
You have pipes that run underground as well. For colder climates, the pipes are buried deeper to avoid freezing. In most cases they will not be a concern for freezing issues. These are codes mandated by the state. If you have issues you will need to contact the contractor and they will need to pay for the repair.
Hiring a plumber can be a daunting task. Get their references and try to establish a relationship with one before you need one. This way you have a contact should an emergency arise with pipes and other issues.
About the Author:
If you are a homeowner, then you are aware that special care has to be given to your plumbing to avoid repair, especially in the freezing winter months. I highly recommend the Thomas E. Clark website for some useful plumbing hints that could save you money. Also, visit this website for suggestions on how to select a reliable, professional plumber when an emergency arises.
