As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to prepare your plumbing system for the cold weather ahead. Frozen pipes can burst, causing extensive damage and costly repairs. Follow these simple tips to protect your home and keep your plumbing running smoothly all winter long.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
- Pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, garages, or crawl spaces, are more susceptible to freezing. Wrap these pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape to keep them warm.
- For additional protection, consider insulating the walls or spaces around exposed pipes.
2. Seal Drafts
- Inspect areas where cold air might enter your home, such as around doors, windows, and vents.
- Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps and prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.
3. Let Faucets Drip
- Allowing a small trickle of water to flow from your faucets during freezing temperatures can relieve pressure in the pipes and reduce the likelihood of them bursting.
4. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
- Remove and store outdoor hoses before the first freeze. This simple step prevents water from freezing and expanding, which can damage both the hose and the connected faucet.
- Install insulated faucet covers on outdoor spigots for added protection.
5. Drain Outdoor Water Lines
- Shut off and drain outdoor water supply lines, such as sprinkler systems, to prevent freezing and cracking.
- If your home has a pool, ensure the lines are winterized according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Keep Your Home Warm
- Maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F, even if you’re away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
7. Check Your Water Heater
- A functioning water heater is vital during colder months. Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.
- Consider insulating your water heater to reduce heat loss and save energy.
8. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
- In case of a burst pipe, shutting off your home’s main water valve quickly can prevent further damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it’s located and how to use it.
9. Inspect for Vulnerabilities
- Walk around your property and look for signs of potential plumbing issues, such as leaks or rust. Addressing these problems before winter can save you from costly repairs.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
- A professional plumber can help identify and address potential issues in your plumbing system. Turner Plumbing Co. offers thorough inspections to ensure your pipes are ready for winter weather.
Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
Taking the time to prepare your pipes for cold weather can save you from the headache and expense of frozen or burst pipes. If you need assistance winterizing your plumbing system, Turner Plumbing Co. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a winter prep inspection and enjoy peace of mind all season long!