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Here are some valuable tips to prepare sewer lines for winter
A home’s sewer line is the pivotal component of its plumbing system. However, it is not uncommon to have sewer line problems, especially in winters. Preventing sewer lines from freezing during winters might cost you extra bucks but it’s worth avoiding the trouble. This article provides tips for winterizing your sewer lines to help prevent a catastrophe.
Turn Off The Outdoor Taps
- When the temperature drops below 4 degrees the water in the pipes freezes. This can cause the frozen pipe to crack and spew hundreds of gallons of water into your house. Fortunately, you can prevent this potential disaster by taking small measures.
All you need to do is close all the outdoor faucets at their shutoff valves. This will prevent water from collecting in the pipes.
Allow Water To Drain
- To drain the stagnant water open the bleeder cap on the shutoff valve. If the water is not drained and allowed to stand in the pipes, it can still freeze and crack the pipes. Place a bucket under the faucet and leave the bleeder cap open to let the water drip.
However, if the dripping continues there is something wrong with the shutoff valve and you may need to replace it.
Install Frost-Free Sill Cocks
- Installing frost-free sill cocks is another important effective measure that can be taken to protect your sewer lines from freezing. The working parts of a frost-free sill cock are located 18 inches inside the wall. On the other hand, the working parts of a typical faucet such as the valve, and washer are located right at the faucet. A sill cock is installed in such a way that it has a slight downward pitch.
This allows the water to drain from the pipe every time the knob is turned off at the faucet. A properly installed frost-free sill cock can go a long way when it comes to winterizing your sewer lines. You can buy frost-free sill cocks anywhere between $15 – $55.
Disconnect Hoses
- Any water-filled pipe is liable to freezing when left out in cold. It is, therefore, imperative that you disconnect your hose after every use. A frozen hose that is connected to the faucet can cause the ice to back up inside your house thereby causing the pipes to crack.
Disconnect all the hoses from the faucets before the start of the winter. Drain them properly and then store them for later use.
Cover The Outdoor Taps
- A hose bib or outdoor tap is usually a small faucet installed on the exterior of the house. It allows water to run from the inside of the house to the outside. Some homeowners install a separate valve inside the house to prevent the pipes from freezing. However, if the valve is not far enough from the hose bib it is still in the freezing zone.
A frost-free hose bib helps eliminate this issue as it has a longer pipe than a regular hose bib. Moreover, the shut-off valve is installed further inside the house where the temperature is warmer. Insulated covers can also be used on hose bibs to prevent heat loss.
Install Smart Devices
- It is wise to install a Wi-Fi-compatible thermostat in your home. A Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to monitor and control the temperature inside your home with just a few clicks on the smartphone. Whenever the temperature in your home drops you will receive an email or text alert.
Various other types of alerts are also available such as landline and cell phone alerts. Wi-Fi thermostats range from $100 to $500.
If you are experiencing a problem with your sewer lines, then call us today at 832-772-5501. Proline Plumbing is a plumbing & sewer line repair company operating in Houston Texas. Our specialists will inspect your sewer line, and provide you with the best solution.