Table of Contents
Valuable tips to prepare sewer lines for winters and protect your property against severe winters
Plummeting winter temperatures can severely affect your sewer lines. If sewer lines are not prepared before the cold weather, frozen pipes and drains can cause issues. Cracking and bursting pipes will not only reduce the flow rate but also ruin your property. With that in mind here is what you can do to guard your sewer lines against harsh winters.
Install Heat Trace Cables
- Heating cables or heat trace cables are an excellent solution for sewer lines that are vulnerable to cold and frost. Heating cables come with an integral thermostat that monitors and senses the pipe’s temperature.
They turn the heat on and off as required to prevent the pipe from freezing. Heat trace cables are available at affordable prices and just need an accessible outlet to be plugged in.
Applications Of Heating Cables
- Heating cables are used for a wide range of applications. These include freeze protection, viscosity control, temperature maintenance, and more. The purpose of heating cables is to prevent heat dissipation from the pipes and equipment through insulation.
The heat loss would otherwise result in frozen pipes and reduced flow. Heat cables can efficiently maintain the desired temperature and protect against unacceptable consequences.
Types Of Heating Cables
- Heating cables are available in three basic styles so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Self-Regulating Cable
- This type of heating cable can automatically adjust heat output based on the outside temperature. Self-regulating cables are perfect for freeze protection and low-temperature process maintenance. They can be used as heat tape for sewer pipes.
Constant Wattage Cable
- These cables are known for providing precise and constant temperatures up to 500 degrees F. These can be ideally employed for a wide range of applications.
Mineral-Insulated Cable
- Mineral insulated cable provides high temperatures up to 1,832 degrees F. For additional durability and environmental protection, the cables are encapsulated in a metal sheath.
Insulate And Seal Rim Joists
- Rim joist is the area where cold air can likely intrude. Use an expandable foam to seal cracks and holes. Also, insulate the floor joists for optimal protection. Do not insulate the pipes in the house and let them receive warmth from internal heating.
The point where cables, wires, or pipes pass through an exterior wall should be inspected thoroughly. Insulate all the areas and use caulk or expandable foam to seal drafts.
Shut Off The Water
- Turn off the water at the main shut-off point when you are leaving town for a few days. In this way even if the frozen pipes burst when you are not home a catastrophic event can be prevented and you will have far less damage.
If you have an automatic icemaker, shut it off so it doesn’t burn out the motor by continuously making ice.
Maintain Steady Temperature
- What is regarded as a cold snap depends on the climate of the region you live in as well as your home’s foundation.
During extreme cold, it is advisable to leave the temperature steady by bypassing your thermostat’s program. It is however better to turn the temperature a couple of degrees up.
Allow Warm Air To Circulate
- If the forecast indicates a temperature drop below freezing, it is wise to let the warm air from your home heat the pipes. This can be done by opening the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and allowing the ambient air to circulate into the cabinets and around the pipes. A fan and portable heater can also help circulate the warm air.
If you are experiencing a problem with your sewer lines, then call us today at 832-772-5501. We, at Proline Plumbing, are a highly experienced plumbing & sewer line repair company operating in Houston Texas. Our specialists will inspect your plumbing, and give you the best solution that eliminates the problem forever.