As winter approaches, freezing temperatures can put your home’s plumbing at risk. Burst pipes, flooding, and water damage are all potential consequences of failing to prepare for the cold weather. Winterizing your plumbing now can save you from costly repairs and the hassle of emergency plumbing calls when the temperature drops.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are particularly susceptible to freezing during cold winter months.
- Use foam pipe insulation to cover exposed pipes in attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Pay special attention to outdoor pipes and any pipes located in unheated parts of the home.
- For pipes in particularly cold or vulnerable areas, consider using heat tape in addition to insulation.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Outdoor faucets and hoses are prime targets for freezing in cold weather. If water is left in them when temperatures drop, it can freeze, causing the pipes or hoses to burst, which can lead to costly repairs and water damage.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter hits.
- Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Most homes have a shut-off valve indoors that controls the water flow to outdoor spigots.
- After shutting off the supply, open the faucet to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
- Consider using faucet covers to insulate outdoor spigots from freezing temperatures.
Shut Off and Drain Your Sprinkler System
If water remains in your sprinkler system during freezing weather, it can cause underground pipes or sprinkler heads to crack. Properly shutting off and draining your system before the first frost is crucial to avoiding costly repairs.
- Shut off the water supply. This is typically done at the main shut-off valve for the system, which is usually located inside the home or in an underground box.
- Drain the system by using a manual or automatic drain valve, depending on your setup. If your system has a manual valve, open it to release any remaining water in the pipes.
- For extra protection, you can use compressed air to blow out any lingering water.
Keep Indoor Faucets Dripping in Extreme Cold
When temperatures fall, pipes inside your home—especially those along exterior walls—can freeze and burst, leading to significant water damage. One simple way to prevent this is by keeping your indoor faucets dripping when the weather gets extremely cold.
- During freezing weather, allow one or two faucets—especially those connected to pipes along exterior walls—to drip slowly.
- Make sure to leave both the hot and cold water lines open, as this helps relieve pressure inside the pipes.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and areas where pipes enter the house. This exposure increases the likelihood of pipes freezing, especially those in uninsulated or poorly insulated areas.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks. Properly sealing these openings helps protect your pipes from freezing and improves your home’s energy efficiency by keeping warm air inside.
- Pay special attention to any uninsulated areas of your home where pipes are located, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home during winter is crucial for preventing pipes from freezing. Even a slight dip in indoor temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, especially in areas like basements, attics, and garages.
- Set your thermostat to at least 55°F if you plan to be away from home for an extended period.
- In particularly cold weather, consider opening cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Make sure that all areas of your home, especially unheated spaces such as basements or garages, receive enough heat. If necessary, use space heaters safely to warm these areas and further protect your pipes.
Winterize Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder during the winter. If it’s located in a cold area like a basement or garage, it’s at risk of losing efficiency or even sustaining damage. Winterizing your water heater can help it run more efficiently and extend its lifespan during the colder months.
- Insulate your water heater with a specially-designed water heater blanket. It helps retain heat and reduces energy consumption.
- If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider switching your water heater to vacation mode.
- Regularly check for leaks or other maintenance issues that could worsen in the cold weather.
Drain Unused Plumbing
If you have plumbing in areas that won’t be used during the winter—such as a guest house or vacation cabin—draining these pipes is essential to prevent freezing and potential damage.
- Shut off the water supply to areas where plumbing won’t be used during winter. This is typically done at the main shut-off valve that controls water to that specific part of your home or property.
- Open all faucets in the unused area to allow the remaining water to drain completely. This includes sinks, showers, and any other water fixtures.
Have a Plan for Emergencies
Even with the best precautions, winter weather can still lead to unexpected plumbing issues, such as frozen or burst pipes. It’s essential to have a plan in place for emergencies so you can act quickly and minimize damage.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off.
- Keep the contact information of a reliable plumber easily accessible.
- If you notice a pipe has frozen, avoid using open flames to thaw it. Instead, use a hairdryer or space heater to warm the pipe slowly.
Proactive Maintenance Saves You Money
Taking steps to winterize your plumbing can prevent expensive repairs and the hassle of emergency calls during the winter. If you need help preparing your home, Reliable Services USA is here to assist. Contact us today to keep your plumbing protected all season long.