Winter is a harsh season for your plumbing system, as the freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, faucets to leak, and water heaters to malfunction. However, a plumber can help you take some preventive measures and make some improvements to protect your plumbing and save money on your water bills. Here are some suggestions:
– Insulate your pipes. One of the most effective ways to prevent your pipes from freezing and cracking is to wrap them with foam insulation, especially if they run through unheated areas such as the basement, attic, or garage. This will also reduce the heat loss and improve the water flow.
– Replace your showerheads and faucets. Another way to save water and energy in the winter is to install low-flow showerheads and faucets that use less water per minute. This will reduce the demand on your water heater and lower your water bills. You can also install aerators on your faucets to add air to the water stream and create a more powerful spray³.
– Fix any leaks or drips. Even a small leak or drip can waste a lot of water and money over time, as well as cause damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings. To avoid these problems, you should inspect your pipes, faucets, toilets, and appliances for any signs of leaks or drips and fix them as soon as possible. You can also use a water meter to check for hidden leaks by turning off all the water sources and seeing if the meter still moves.
– Upgrade your plumbing fixtures and appliances. If your plumbing fixtures and appliances are old, outdated, or inefficient, you may want to consider replacing them with newer and more energy-efficient models. For example, you can install a tankless water heater that heats water on demand and eliminates the standby heat loss. You can also install a dual-flush toilet that uses less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste. These upgrades can help you save water, energy, and money in the long run.
These are some of the plumbing improvements you can make on your house in the winter to protect your plumbing system, improve your comfort, and lower your expenses. Call us today to get in touch with a plumber!