Every plumber has dealt with it at some point: a customer who simply didn’t realize they needed to protect their piping during winter months. Contracting businesses may want to remind and educate customers of some simple steps they can take to help ensure safety, even in the coldest months of the year.
Monica Yadav of Direct Energy Services wrote on DailyPress.com that people should be covering their pipes during the especially cold points of the winter.
This includes pipes in your garage. Turn your faucets on so the water drips slowly. This prevents water from settling and freezing in your plumbing lines. When water freezes it expands and can break pipes. If your pipes do freeze, slowly thaw them using a hot, wet, towel or hair dryer. Using a torch or flame can deliver too much heat and cause pipes to expand and break.
For plumbing contractors, it may be a good idea to remind your customers of ways to keep their plumbing safe during the winter. While it may prevent some short term repairs, it will likely improve the relationship with customers and perhaps form a long-term bond.