How Extreme Temperatures Can Affect Your Plumbing

Believe it or not, extreme changes in the weather can have a big impact on your plumbing. Not only can pipes freeze and burst during the chilly months, but hot weather storms and dryness can also cause some serious damage as well. In today’s blog, we will be talking about some of the different types of weather that can have a negative affect on your plumbing and some tips for preventing these damages. If you are in the market for a skilled, quality plumbing company in the Lexington area, contact Plumbing Solutions, LLC today.

Cold Weather

As the temperatures begin to drop and reach freezing, you are going to want to keep an eye on your home’s water line. Cold temperatures can cause water to freeze within your pipes, which can ultimately lead to a leak or burst. This can leave you dealing with contaminated drinking, cooking, and bathing water for months. Chilly temperatures can also cause septic tanks to burst when the dirt around them freezes. If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, don’t fret — there are preventative steps you can take to help reduce the risk of plumbing damage.

• Insulate your pipes. This is huge for helping prevent your pipes from freezing. Not only that, but insulating your pipes will also allow you to pay less for hot water bills.
  Open and disconnect hose bibs. Doing this will allow water within your hose system to drain completely. Once you are done,, leave the outdoor valve open (but close your indoor valves). This will allow the pipe to expand with the changes in weather without bursting.
• Lower your water heater temperature. Not only will this save you in heating costs, but keeping your water heater temperature between 120 to 140 degrees during the winter can help to prevent a burst or leak during the cold winter months.
• Contact a trusted plumber to help you solve any plumbing issues. To maintain quality plumbing or for help fixing an existing plumbing problem, you are going to want to contact a trusted plumbing professional like Plumbing Solutions, LLC for assistance.

Hot Weather

Hotter temperatures can also have a negative affect on your plumbing systems. If there is a longer period without rain and the ground dries out, your house can settle, causing your water main to crack and leak. If you have piping that is exposed to sunlight, it would be smart to have it shielded with insulation so that the UV rays don’t cause any damage to them. Hot weather storms and heavy rain can also cause plumbing issues. Heavy rain can increase pressure on your pipes, shift underground pipes, and cause backups that can lead to potential breaks. Lightning is also a risk factor if you have copper piping, as lightning is attracted to metal and can cause a leak if struck. If you suspect that you are having any issues to your plumbing due to hot weather or storms, it would be smart to contact your local plumbers to help get this plumbing issues solved as soon as possible.

We know how important it is to maintain quality plumbing throughout your home, and want you to be prepared to handle extreme changes in weather so that you don’t have to deal with plumbing backups, contaminated water, or any other issues. At Plumbing Solutions, LLC, we are here to help you with any and all of your plumbing needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today with any and all of your plumbing questions, or to set up an appointment today. We look forward to working with you!