Bend Plumber | Winter Plumbing Tips

Are you intrigued by how your plumbing system works? Plumbing can be intimidating to many people

on the surface, but it is really not that difficult to learn. Many plumbing issues can be addressed by a

simple fix. You can start learning more about plumbing by reading this article for some useful tips from

Deschutes Plumbing Company in Bend, Oregon.

You always want to solder correctly, the biggest mistake most people make when soldering is failing to

get the interior of the fitting and the exterior of the pipe clean and shiny. Polish these surfaces with a

fine emery clot until bright. When soldering, never heat the pipe, but instead heat the fitting. Doing so

allows the solder to be drawn into the fitting by capillary action.

Avoid frozen pipes this winter! Keep a small trickle of water dripping from faucets, and wrap your

uninsulated pipes with foam or newspaper. If possible, keep the doors open between unheated and

heated rooms. In an unheated area such as a garage or laundry room, keep a small heater next to the

pipes. Remember to do this before the first cold snap hits. If you detect a frozen pipe call a Bend

plumber immediately.

Use the sounds you hear from your pipes to help you to determine what they problem is. Certain sounds

mean the water pressure is too high. Other sounds can signify loose pipes or slight clogs from calcium or

iron build up. Listening to your pipes can save you a lot of money hunting down the problem.

As the weather begins to get cold, attend to all of your exposed pipes by adding insulation to them. Pay

particular attention to pipes located in crawl spaces and the outside walls of your residence. Taking this

step will help ensure that your pipes continue to function throughout the winter.

Do not use the liquid cleaning supplies that are designed to clear clogs. These cleaners are harmful and

can damage your pipes as they clear the clog. Instead of using damaging liquids, use a plunger or a

plumbing snake. These are much more effective and will not harm pipes.

To prevent the pipes from freezing, it is advisable to seal off air vents, cracks and access doors. In order

to keep the heat in and the cold out, you can try using insulation or caulk. In the event a leak occurs,

make it a point to remind everyone where the master circuit breaker is so it can be shut off

immediately.

Periodically check your pipes for leaks and cracks. These can be forgotten, since pipes are usually hidden

away, but checking for leaks and cracks can help you identify a small problem before a big problem

occurs. You may have to enlist the help of a family member to turn on and off the water stream as you

are checking.

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