Fall and Winter Plumbing
Once temperatures drop, the plumbing system can become less reliable due to pressure buildup inside the piping. Here are a few basic tips to prevent high water bills and burst pipes and protect your plumbing system.
Insulate Pipes Before It’s Too Late
Insulating pipes improve the water flow during fall and winter. There are several different materials to choose from, but any kind of plumbing blanket is better than none. For plumbing systems in Salem, OR, homeowners should weigh the pros and cons of each insulation material depending on where they live, their budget, and the age of their plumbing system.
Plumbing sleeves are usually placed over outdoor pipes that are especially susceptible to freezing. These areas include crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and garages. By blocking cold air from reaching the pipe, homeowners do not need to worry about a pipe bursting at night.
Phenolic foam insulation is typically preferred for fire safety. It has low smoke emission and thermal conductivity. Since thermal resistance does not require a thicker material, it is resistant to heat transfer. Phenolic foam is an affordable material for many houses, but it is not as inexpensive as fiberglass.
Fiberglass insulation is also fire-resistant but made from thinly spun glass. A vapor barrier is required to prevent unnecessary and problematic moisture. Since this type of insulation is dangerous, professionals are recommended during the pipe installation.
Open the Cabinets
One simple way to spread heat throughout the plumbing system is to open specific cabinet doors during fall and winter. Even opening them just a crack can help circulate warmth.
Exposed piping is frequently found underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks. As the piping outside stretches, water flow can become an issue. As long as the house is heated above 40 degrees, leaving the cabinet doors open will increase water temperature.
When freezing temperatures occur, ice patches form inside the plumbing. Frozen pipes often make it more difficult to use hot water. When there is too much ice, severe pressure builds until the pipe bursts. To avoid water damage expenses and pipe replacement, homeowners must keep the heat on even when not home.
Forgotten Plumbing
Many homeowners forget that outdoor plumbing is affected during the fall and winter. Even homes that do not have garage faucets will likely have some kind of hose. Before temperatures drop below freezing, the hose should be fully disconnected.
Homeowners must first locate the hose bib to turn off the water supply, usually located directly on the pipe. Although turning the knob clockwise does shut off the supply, the hose still needs to be drained to prevent damage.
Disconnecting the outdoor water supply can prevent serious plumbing problems for homeowners. Freezing pipes are dangerous due to the extreme pressure that forms inside them, and if they burst, they can cause flooding. To keep the home running properly, annual plumbing maintenance is always recommended.
About Swell Plumbing
Swell Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services to Salem, OR residents. Their team is known for industry-leading service, fast and professional solutions, and same-day appointments. Call Swell Plumbing today to learn more about expert plumbing services In Salem, OR!
Several things must be checked when a plumbing technician comes for a maintenance call. Though water heating seems simple, the water heater is more than an extra large kettle. A few of the tasks that a technician will perform on a maintenance check include:
Why get regular maintenance? It may seem like a hassle, but one visit can prevent a need for water heater replacement or water heater repair later. Here are a few of the benefits.
Even a minor leak can become a major flood when households are away for an extended period. Turning off the main water supply to their house eliminates the risk of water damage caused by a pipe burst or a plumbing malfunction while they’re away. 
Another step homeowners can take is shutting off their water heater during a prolonged absence. This helps prevent potential flooding if a malfunction occurs and saves homeowners money on their energy bills. Since the heater won’t be actively heating water the family won’t use, homeowners can avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Most water heaters have a shut-off valve near the unit’s base, which property owners can turn off.
Prevent and Catch Clogs
Watch for Sewer Line Leaks
Runs Smoothly With Fewer Issues
Save Money
It’s important to be aware of common signs that the pipes may be failing and in need of replacement, especially when living in an old home, including:
If a home’s water lines leak, it can indicate repiping may be needed. If 
There are many benefits to scheduling whole-home repiping services to replace old and leaking or corroded water lines. Some advantages include:
When a household’s water bills rise, homeowners may start paying attention to when water is being used and how often it is being wasted. They can take some simple steps to reduce water usage and utility bills. To cut back on water use inside the house, households should:
When homeowners notice their water bills rising, it can signal a leak in the plumbing system. If a leak occurs, wasted water seeps out of the pipe or fixture instead of reaching the plumbing fixture or appliance for use. 
Another common sign of a water leak homeowners should look for is rising water bills. If the household’s water costs increase without a change in the household’s water usage, it could also indicate there’s a leak. When there’s a leak, water will be wasted even when it’s not needed, increasing costs.
One way for homeowners to identify the presence of leaks in their homes they might not think to check is their 
