Four Tips to Avoid Frozen Plumbing this Winter

Blog 01/08/2016

Four Tips to Avoid Frozen Plumbing this Winter

No matter how mild the winter may seem thus far the next big freeze is likely not too far away. Couple this with surprise cold snaps and a tendency for plumbing maintenance to fall by the wayside, and you have a potential flood of problems on your hands.
Being prepared at the beginning and planning is the best way to prevent potential issues from happening Instead of scrambling for the emergency plumbers’ number, here a few tips to make sure your Saniflo unit, your plumbing and your home making it through the winter weather:
1. Insulate
Start by figuring out where cold air is getting into your home, or where your pipes or Saniflo units are exposed and protect them. Seal cracks and gaps that let in air and insulate exposed piping or the unit itself, especially in places like exterior walls of your home or unheated basements. Typically foam installation can be installed to help protect against winter temperatures.
2. Maintain the Temperature
Turning down the temperature when you leave the house can be a great way to save on hydro or gas, but turn it too low and you risk those savings on emergency plumbing repairs. Keeping the house at a steady temperature, Toronto Hydro recommends no lower than 15*C when you are away, but ensure to take into account the age, size and layout of your home and adjust accordingly. Ensure to close all windows and doors tightly to help provide a cushion of warm air around as much of the plumbing as possible. For situations where a Saniflo unit is hidden in a cabinet or vanity also consider opening the doors, so that warm air can circulate.
3. Turn off the water
Are you going away for an extended period of time? Consider shutting off the main water valve while the house is empty and draining pipes and external taps. If something does freeze and break, the damage will be limited to the water in the pipe only. Just ensure to keep the water off when you check for damage to limit the risk of flooding.
4. Keep the drains clear
Clogged drains and waste pipes are one of the fastest routes to a plumbing emergency. Debris like oil and food particles can freeze solid and cause a backup in the plumbing system, causing major issues. This is especially important for the Saniflo unit waste pipe as freezing can lead to build-up in the pipes and machine itself. There are multiple options available from chemical cleaners to manual augers but make sure they are compatible with Saniflo before using. Additionally external pipes should also be empty and closed but if not leave a trickle of water running. Running water is less likely to freeze and risk a split in the pipes.

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