Winter's here. If you're not dealing with a plumbing emergency, you might not think you need a plumber. That's not the case though. Calling a plumber now can help you avoid a plumbing emergency down the road. Read the list provided below. Here are four ways a plumber can protect your home this winter. 

Install Leak Detection

If you want to protect your pipes this winter, now's the time to call a plumber. If you're not home when a pipe bursts, you could end up with a watery mess. Luckily, there's a way to protect against that type of risk. You can have a plumber install a water leak detection system. This type of system is designed to shut your water supply off at the first sign of a leak. 

Insulate Water Lines

If you haven't insulated your water pipes yet, it's time to hire a plumber. You might not think you need to insulate your water pipes, but you do. In fact, insulating your water pipes can prevent them from rupturing this winter. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to insulate their water pipes. If you're in that category, call the plumber. They'll install insulation on all your exposed water pipes. If you want the most protection, talk to your plumber about installing heat tape on your pipes. Heat tape activates as soon as temperatures dip into the freezing range. 

Repair Leaky Pipes

If you've got leaky pipes, you need to take care of those before the temperatures get much colder. Small leaks might seem harmless enough. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Even a small leak can cause big problems during the winter. This is especially true once temperatures fall into the freezing range. As the water freezes, small holes in the pipes expand. Once that happens, the pipes will burst. You can avoid that risk by calling a plumber right away. They'll repair the leaks before you're faced with a plumbing emergency. 

Protect Spigots

If you haven't winterized your outdoor spigots yet, be sure to call a plumber right away. You can start the winterization process by disconnecting the garden hoses. But, there's another step you need to take. You need to have frost-proof spigots installed in your yard. Frost-proof spigots reduce the risk of freezing during the winter months. You can also have your plumber insulate the outside hose fittings at the same time. 

Don't take chances with your plumbing this winter. Use the tips provided above to avoid plumbing emergencies.

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