As cold weather sets in, you’ll want to make sure the plumbing in your home is ready to withstand its effects. Burst pipes and frozen water lines are always a risk for unprotected homes, and you could face high utility bills due to energy loss without the proper insulation. An experienced plumber can help you get your home prepared for the coming winter in just a few steps.

Insulation and Weatherization

Many of the pipes in our homes run through unheated crawlspaces, which makes them very vulnerable to freezing. Freezing doesn’t always lead to bursting, but it creates an interruption in your water service, which can make your home unlivable until it thaws. In the worst case, frozen plumbing does result in burst pipes and costly repairs to the plumbing itself and any damage done to your home.

Weatherizing and insulating your crawlspaces can make them better able to resist falling to dangerously low temperatures, but insulating your pipes themselves is the best measure of protection. Combining these actions can keep your water supply lines from freezing in the winter and provide uninterrupted water flow.

Energy Savings

Another advantage to insulated plumbing is that energy loss is greatly reduced and even prevented entirely. As hot water travels from your water heater to the appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home, the heat can be quickly dissipated through unprotected pipes in crawlspaces or in exterior walls. This means you receive water that’s less comfortable, and your water heater needs to keep working hard just to make sure that the water stays warm. This energy loss results in higher utility costs. By having a plumber insulate your piping and potentially your water heater, you can save money on your water heating costs this winter.

Contact F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at (703) 540-4838 to schedule a consultation with a Fairfax plumber. We can show you how pipe insulation and other measures will help your plumbing withstand this winter’s weather.

More from Plumber, Heating Repair & HVAC Specialist: Plumber Fairfax

Have you ever wondered how your water heater is able to heat your water so quickly and keep it hot? How It’s Made had a great episode on water heaters and completely deconstructed one to illustrate the science behind these machines we use every day.

As the cooler weather approaches, it’s important to make sure your water heater is working properly. Watch this video to learn more about the function and efficiency of your home’s water heater.

In a gas water heater, a burner flame serves as the heat source. Above the burner flame is a chimney that extends to the top of the water heater. Cold or room temperature water enters the water heater, descends through a pipe, and becomes heated by the burner flame. Then, the water exits the pipe into your shower or sink.

To learn more about water heaters or have your water heater evaluated by a professional, contact F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. We offer water heater services as well as air conditioning and plumbing repairs in Fairfax, VA, and surrounding areas.

Call us today at (703) 540-4838.

As the fall months come to a close, is your home ready for the Fairfax winter weather ahead? Check out the following tips for preparing your air conditioning unit to rest and your heating system to go to work.

• Clean Your System
  As you winterize your air conditioning unit, make a thorough cleaning of all of the equipment. Drain the hoses and ensure there is no remaining water in any part of your air conditioning unit. Remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from your air conditioner before covering it for the winter.
• Have Your Heating System Inspected
  Call your air conditioning or heating specialists to inspect your heaters, fireplace, furnaces and other heating home appliances for the winter. While you can do most of the home preparation yourself, it’s still essential to receive a professional maintenance check for any precautionary repairs or concerns.
• Change the Filters
  Although you may not be planning to use your air conditioning during the winter, it’s still important to change out the filter. This way, your old filter doesn’t collect dust over the next few months and potentially spread bacteria to the rest of the unit. Also, changing your filter gives you the ability to run your air conditioner at a moment’s notice. Be sure to change and check the filters of your furnace or heating pump before the winter months as well.
• Prepare Your Water Heater
  As you complete your preparation in shutting down your air conditioner for the winter, it’s equally important to prepare your heating appliances for the coming winter months and frequent usage. Turn down your water heater to save extra money on energy bills during the winter. Especially since you will have the heat running more, lower the temperature of your water heater to conserve energy.

To schedule a servicing appointment for your heater and air conditioner in the Fairfax area, call the experts at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services and repairs. Call us with your questions or to schedule a visit from one of our trained professionals at (703) 540-4838.

More from Plumber, Heating Repair & HVAC Specialist: Heating and Cooling Fairfax

Have you noticed your water pressure getting weaker over time? The mineral-rich waters often deposit sediments into the pores of your showerhead and sink faucets. Here’s another plumber tip: There’s a simple solution that only costs a few cents and is safe for the environment. “A green cleaning product!” you ask. Yes, there is a simple disinfectant that removes minerals that are sitting in your kitchen right now. For most surfaces in your bathroom, especially your plumbing hardware, a mixture of white vinegar and water will do the trick.

A gradual decrease in water pressure usually indicates that the minerals have built up in your faucet aerator. The aerator is the small disc that your water streams through, adding air bubbles to your water. They are included in most faucet designs to conserve water. When they collect minerals, however, it’s time to clean them with a simple vinegar solution.

For Cleaning Sink Faucets:
To clean the aerator on a sink faucet, unscrew the spray head from the faucet and pop out the small aerator. Then soak it in the vinegar solution for a few minutes to loosen the sediments. Clean it with an old toothbrush to make sure it’s clean. If you notice the mineral deposits have dirtied your spray head, it may be a good idea to soak and scrub that as well.

For Cleaning Showerheads:

Because the mineral deposits in a showerhead are usually deeper in the spout, you’ll want to soak your showerhead in a container of vinegar solution for a few hours to overnight. The acid in the vinegar should remove all lime and sediments. Be sure to rinse it clean before putting it back to remove the smell.

Vinegar is quite an amazing bathroom cleaning tool. It kills germs, cuts through soap scum, and kills mold. Take advantage of its fighting power to save money and go green. If these tips don’t solve your water flow problems, feel free to call our Fairfax plumbers for professional help. The problem may require a replacement faucet, or the sediment may be in your pipes. As always, you can get a plumber in your home for free***, so there’s no need to put it off. Call F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (703) 540-4838.