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For those living in the state, plumbers in Fairfax VA are a great source of information about the dangers of winter for plumbing systems, and how you might avoid some of them. Old homes (such as ones found in this region) and cold weather can often be a troublesome combination. Here are a few basic principles to follow. Don’t put things off Winter isn’t known for its tendency to conform to calendar expectations. So, start by planning ahead and conducting a quick survey in the earlier fall. Check pipes Water is a very strange substance in terms of how it expands and contacts when under temperature extremes. That’s basically why frozen pipes can burst, so without getting into the science, you need to make sure that all your pipes in unheated areas are very well insulated to prevent them freezing. Remember, that might include in well-insulated lofts where pipes might be inside but still subject to freezing conditions. Be very careful when defrosting pipes If your precautions have failed, this should be done very carefully. Shut off the water just in case, and defrost it gently and without applying excessive heat. Do not, under any circumstances, take a blowtorch to the pipe. The water will expand too quickly and possibly a burst will result. It hopefully goes without saying that’s even more important if the pipe is plastic. Some plumbers in Fairfax VA might have some very interesting tales to tell about how they’ve had to deal with piles of molten plastic after some people didn’t spot that one in advance! Shut off the water and drain down If you’re going to be away from the house for any significant period of time when freezing conditions might arise, shut off the water at the point of entry. That will help limit the extent of any flooding if you have a burst pipe. Preferably, you should also drain down your system and heating plus anything else that stores water. Obviously, if you’re leaving a water-circulation type of heating on a low level while you’re away, then you’ll need to make sure it’s not drained beforehand. Make sure your drains are clear The fall often deposits all sort of detritus into valleys and drains etc. It’s common sense to make sure that they’re all kept clear just for flow purposes, but it’s important to get that done before any freezes arrive. The slower water is flowing past blockages, the more likely it will be to freeze and block things totally. Leave heating on a low level It’s an economic, environmental and safety fine call, but on balance, if you’re going to be away for a few days during a very cold period, it might make sense to leave your heating on a low ‘occasional’ timer level to try and keep temperatures in your property above freezing. This should help avoid any risks of internal pipe freezes – something that might be key if you can’t shut off and drain down your system prior to departure. Keep in mind you might also need to consult your household insurance policy on this one. Some policies might require heating to be left on, others might demand that it is switched off and your system drained down if you’re going to be away for more than a specified period during freezing weather. If you have any concerns about the safety issues associated with leaving your heating on while you’re away, local plumbers in Fairfax VA should be contacted for advice. Sarah Saadoun works for HMS Plumbing, a family-owned business in Manassas, Northern Virginia. If you need plumbers in Fairfax VA, Herve and his dedicated employees at HMS are proud to be serving the plumbing needs of Northern Virginia residents and businesses. For reliable Fairfax plumbers HMS Plumbing is your first choice.
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