As the heart of winter approaches and temperatures continue to drop, your home plumbing faces increased risk from the cold. Nevertheless, simple steps—like wrapping exposed pipes or getting your water pressure checked—can help protect your system from serious damage. Reach out to a professional for plumbing repair services in Ashburn, VA, who can protect your system against this winter’s weather.
R.A. Dobson is a top-rated team of HVAC and plumbing professionals that has proudly served Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. Our seasoned technicians help with heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing issues that homeowners experience. Call us today or fill out our online form and get our plumbing home inspection for $75 from our team of experts!
Below, we list 6 steps that will protect your home against 2022’s winter months:
1. Wrap All Exposed Pipes
First and foremost, the exposed pipes around your home—particularly those under or outside your house—must be insulated against the frigid air. Exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing and, even worse, bursting. Burst pipes can flood homes. Moreover, in Virginia, pipes tend to burst at 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can find pipe insulation at any hardware store and attempt to wrap your pipes alone. However, professionals have the expertise and experience to wrap pipes properly. So, call your heating and cooling experts at R.A. Dobson to winterize your pipes.
2. Disconnect You Outdoor Water Sources
Many homeowners damage their outdoor water systems by forgetting to turn those systems off. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Simply disconnecting your hoses, sprinkles, and all other external plumbing systems guards outdoor systems against damage due to cold weather.
3. Crank Up the Heat
With frosty nights and cold days common now, experts recommend setting your home’s heat at 68 degrees while you’re awake. Turning your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower during the night can save 10% on your home’s monthly energy bills. Plus, a programmable thermostat can help you navigate these shifts without hassle.
68 degrees helps protect your pipes from cold weather extremes without breaking your bank on energy expenses. If you’ll be gone for a prolonged period, you should have a friend or house sitter stop by to regulate your home’s heat and keep an eye out for freezing pipes.
4. Inspect Your Water Heater
You should have your water heater inspected annually whether you suspect an issue or not. Any damage, leaks, cracks, and odd smells/sounds coming from the water heater can indicate it needs maintenance. Moreover, call us as soon as possible for water heater repair before an issue leads to an irreparable problem!
5. Check Your Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure can tell you a lot about your plumbing system’s status. For example, if your water pressure appears lower than normal, the system may have a leak or blockage.
If you have water pressure issues, we recommend reaching out to our plumbing repair professionals. Water pressure can be a symptom of a much larger problem. If left unattended, that issue can escalate quickly.
6. Check for Leaking Faucets and Taps
From showerheads to the kitchen sink, check all of your water fixtures for leaks. A professional can tighten leaking faucets and taps so they perform as usual. When left running overnight, a dripping faucet increases the chances of the water freezing and other issues. Again, reach out to R.A. Dobson for help with all your plumbing problems!
Expert Plumbing Repair Available Now in Ashburn, VA!
R.A. Dobson, a top plumbing and HVAC services provider, proudly serves home- and business owners throughout Ashburn, VA. Our expert technicians can help you prevent major plumbing issues with our professional plumbing repair services. We also offer online coupons to boost your savings no matter the project you have in mind. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for a free estimate to find out how we can help you!