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frozen pipes

Winter Plumbing Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know

Don’t Fall for These Common Plumbing Misconceptions

Winter weather often leads to a flurry of plumbing advice, but not all of it is accurate. Let’s separate fact from fiction to help you protect your home.

Myth 1: Dripping Faucets Prevent Frozen Pipes
Truth: While a dripping faucet can reduce pressure in the system, it doesn’t fully prevent freezing. Insulating pipes is a more reliable method.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need to Worry About Outdoor Faucets Once Disconnected
Truth: Even with hoses removed, outdoor faucets can freeze. Install frost-proof spigots or cover them with insulated covers for added protection.

Myth 3: Water Heaters Don’t Need Attention in Winter
Truth: Water heaters work harder in cold months. Flushing sediment and inspecting the unit ensures it operates efficiently.

Myth 4: Boiling Water Always Clears Clogged Drains
Truth: In winter, cold pipes can cause fats and oils to harden, making boiling water ineffective. Use enzyme-based cleaners instead.

By knowing what advice to follow, you can avoid common winter plumbing pitfalls and keep your system running smoothly.

Are You Prepared For The Cold?

We are in the thick of winter here in Michigan. Be sure that you have prepared your home for the deep freeze that we know all too well. Unfortunately, we visit homes that haven’t had the necessary precautions taken. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is ready.

  1. Remove hoses from outdoor faucets – if water remains in the hose, it can freeze and expand and cause your pipes to burst.
  2. Keep your pipes warm – if you have pipes in a colder part of your home, including a crawl space or a basement, consider wrapping them with heat tape.
  3. Seal any holes – take a look around your home and identify any holes or cracks. Use foam insulation to fill the gaps and prevent cold air from getting in.
  4. Check your furnace – make sure your furnace is in good shape before the cold hits. Biannual maintenance for your furnace is a great idea to ensure it works when you need it most.

We hope the tips above will help keep you and your family warm and ready for the cold temperatures. If you require plumbing services, contact our experts today!

Winter Plumbing Tips

Winter is fast approaching, and it is time to get your house in order. Once you complete your home decor, preparing your plumbing should be next on the list. At Putman and Sons we have a few fixes that we recommend to our customers to ensure their plumbing is ready for cold temperatures.

Turn Off Outdoor Faucets

Be sure to drain and turn off all outdoor faucets. This quick act helps prevent any water from freezing in the pipes leading to a pipe burst. You will want to remove any hoses or connections and store them elsewhere. Make sure to verify that there is no water left in the pipes by turning the faucet to full strength and then turning it off completely.

Check The Water Heater

Maintenance is important all year round, but a failed water heater is even more unfortunate during the colder months. Give Putman and Sons a call to schedule maintenance on your water heater before the temperatures drop. Our team will ensure it is running effectively and identify any potential issues and conduct any necessary repairs.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulate any cold pipes before the cold weather hits. Consider wrapping any outdoor pipes or those in poorly insulated areas to avoid bursting. Check your attic or crawl spaces for any pipe that should be wrapped.

Check for Leaks

Before the snow falls, take a look around the exterior of your home. Check for any cracks or existing leaks. You’ll want to seal up any cracks to ensure that cold air cannot get in.   The team at Putman and Sons is well-versed in preparing your home for the cold weather. We are ready to visit your home and take a look at the best ways to ensure plumbing safety during the winter. Give us a call today.

Winter Has Arrived in Michigan

Putman and Sons Plumbing Can Help with Frozen Pipes and Sump Pump Repairs

Michigan winter is here! As we look outside at the first major snow of the season, it is a reminder to make sure that your plumbing is up to snuff, so that you do not end up with frozen or bursting pipes leading to the mess and expense of a flooded home. Snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Make sure your sump pump is working sufficiently when this snow thaws. If you need plumbing services or maintenance, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 hotline.

Plumbing Winterization for Your Home

Putman and Sons Plumbing Home Winterization

As winter quickly approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home to withstand freezing temperatures. Your plumbing system is particularly sensitive to the cold because as water freezes, it expands. Frozen pipes can burst, which can result in water damage or extensive repairs. Winterizing your home plumbing system can help keep your home safe.

Are you going on an extended vacation, or staying at a second home during the winter? Putman & Son’s Plumbing specializes in home winterization, so you know the job is done right.

Home Winterization Tips

Set your home temperature to 50-55°

Regardless of how long you’ll be away from your home, it’s important to set your thermostat no lower than 50-55° to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Drain water from your irrigation system

Many homeowners may forget to drain their irrigation system before the winter. Drain your system by first disconnecting the valve for your outdoor water system. Then, run your sprinklers until you’ve purged all water from the lines.

Prepare your home for winter storms

Make sure your home is secure against winter storms before you leave for your trip. Put away yard furniture, and make sure to secure all exterior doors and windows in case of high winds or heavy snowfall.

Drain water heater and pipes

If you anticipate being away from home for an extended period, consider draining your home’s plumbing entirely before you leave. Shut off your main water line and run your faucets to drain all water from your pipes. You may also consider draining your water heater.

For expert guidance on plumbing winterization for your home, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing at (248) 652-0990.

Tips for Reducing Frozen and Bursting Pipes

Putman and Sons water leak frozen pipes

Tis the season for frozen pipes. When the temperature dives and the winds pick up is when we receive the most calls from unprepared and frantic homeowners. There is nothing worse than coming home to a burst pipe and the mess and cost of water damage to your home and possessions. Luckily, there are things that homeowners can do to help reduce this occurrence to happening to them.

  • Keep faucets at a slow drip during the freezing cold weather
  • Insulate pipes and connections
  • Heat your home to 68 degrees
  • Turn the water valve off if you are leaving on a vacation

If you do have an issue with frozen pipes, Putman & Son’s Plumbing is here to help 24/7, contact us.

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