This fall is the perfect opportunity to winterize your pipes and prepare them for the coming winter. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to fracture or burst. Once this happens, it can be very time consuming and expensive to fix or replace pipes. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for plumbing service in Villanova in case of emergencies, but keep these tips in mind to avoid problems in the first place.

Pipes run the risk of a fracture any time their temperature drops below 32 degrees, the freezing point for water. The potential for fracture exists anywhere that cold air blows on pipes, which especially includes bathrooms or laundry rooms above or next to garages. Make sure to insulate pipes, close crawl space vents, and stuff insulation over all openings. Even tiny holes can allow a lot of cold air to get through.

For bathroom pipes that run along exterior walls, keep vanity doors open to allow heat in. Also, make sure to never turn the heat completely off during the winter. Always leave the temperature at least at 55 degrees.

Outside the house, disconnect and store all garden hoses and turn off shutoff valves for external faucets and drain all water from said faucets. Turn off and drain all sprinkler systems to prevent their underground pipes from freezing, which will require expensive repairs. Make sure you know where your main waterline shut-off is before problems arise.

You may have frozen pipes if you turn on the faucet and no water comes out, or if the water is off and you still hear running water, which can be a sign of a leak.

In case of emergencies contact your local plumbing company in Plymouth Meeting.