Protecting Your Pipes in the Winter
To properly protect your home in the winter, you need to be conscious of every inch of your home, including your pipes. A frozen pipe will become instantly disastrous for your house but it is easy to prevent if you take the proper precautions.
For climates that have freezing temperatures regularly, a lot of homes are built with frozen pipes in mind. Homes in the colder climates of the United States have water pipes located on the inside of the building insulation, which protects the pipes from the cold weather.
So when does your home become at risk for frozen pipes?
The Building Research Council at the University of Illinois ran several tests and found that residential water systems subjected to winter temperatures began to freeze when the outside temperature reached 20°F or below.
However, they noticed that pipes exposed to wind can freeze even if the temperature is above 20°F.
How can you prevent your pipes from freezing?
- If you are building a house, you should consider not having pipes go in attics, crawl spaces and other vulnerable spaces where they will be exposed to cold air. Having pipes installed in insulated walls and in areas that will be heated will also prevent freezing pipes.
- Buying insulation from the local hardware store is also helpful, if it does not already have any. Place them around your pipes for extra protection.
- Leave your cabinet doors open so warm air can reach the pipes in the kitchen or bathrooms.
- Turn your faucet on and allow a slow drip. This will help relieve some of the pressure from the pipes, which can cause a pipe to freeze.
- Drain your water system. If you suspect a bad overnight freeze or you are leaving your home for a while, a water system drain will help prevent a freeze (because there will no be water for freezing).
- Keep your heat on. Keeping your house warm during the coldest weather will help prevent freezing from occurring. Make sure your basement is getting enough warmth.
If you need help preventing a frozen pipe in your home or you need help after your pipes have frozen, give us a call at (913) 210-5598 or visit our website for more information.
Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Grill with Natural Gas
Is there anything more frustrating when you’re looking to enjoy a nice evening on your deck or patio grilling out with family or friends only to find you’ve run out of gas and need to run to the hardware store to pick up yet another tank?
Never Buy Another Tank of Gas for Your Grill
Outdoor grills are becoming larger and more powerful all the time, and if you spend any amount of time grilling, you’re likely to find yourself burning through tank after tank of propane — and making trip after trip to the hardware store to buy another replacement tank. If you’re a grilling aficionado — or looking to become one — then installing a gas line directly to your outdoor grill is the perfect way to cut out the hassle of dealing with propane or natural gas tanks.
The Advantages of Natural Gas
In addition to eliminating clunky propane tanks,natural gas is less expensive than propane — sometimes as low as a third of the price of propane. Natural gas also burns cleaner than propane, so it’s better for the environment and for your guests, who don’t have to breathe in the exhaust from a propane tank — or eat it when it ends up on your food.
Install a Gas Line to Your Outdoor Grill
Grilling food is a great way to prepare delicious, healthy food to enjoy all year long. If you’re sold on the idea of making grilling outside a more convenient and less expensive option by installing a gas line to your outdoor grill, give us a call at Andy’s Pipe Dream. Our licensed, bonded and insured technicians can safely install a gas line straight to the outdoor area where you spend your time, so you can get to cooking, eating and having fun with your friends and family — without the cost and hassle of propane tanks. Give us a call at 913-210-5598 or visit our website for more information.