Winter can be tough on your home plumbing system. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes and plumbing problems increases. To avoid costly damage, it’s crucial to take a few simple steps to winterize your residential plumbing systems. With proper care, you can protect your pipes, water supply, and fixtures through the colder months. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
- Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
One of the most important steps in winterizing your home plumbing system is protecting the pipes from freezing. Pipes that are exposed to cold air, especially those in basements, attics, or garages, are at a high risk. To prevent freezing, you should insulate these pipes with foam pipe insulation or even old towels or rags if you’re in a pinch.
Wrap the surrounding insulation to exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas. This will help maintain a temperature above freezing, reducing the risk of burst pipes. For added protection, you can also use heat tape or heating cables to keep the pipes warm during extremely cold nights.
- Drain Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing, especially when water remains in them after fall. The first step to winterize your residential plumbing systems is to disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Then, close the valve that controls the water to outdoor faucets, which is typically located inside your home near the faucet. After turning off the water, open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out.
This simple action can prevent the water from freezing inside the faucet, which could otherwise cause cracks and expensive repairs. Consider installing frost-proof faucets to make future winters easier.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Cold air can sneak in through small gaps around your plumbing. Check for any drafts around windows, doors, or areas where pipes enter your home. Even small cracks can let in cold air, which can lower the temperature around your home plumbing system and increase the risk of freezing. Use caulking or spray foam insulation to seal any gaps you find.
By taking care of these small openings, you can keep your plumbing system protected from cold drafts that can lead to frozen pipes.
- Maintain a Drip During Extreme Cold
When the temperatures drop drastically, a useful tip for protecting your home plumbing system is to let your faucets drip slowly. A steady drip helps keep the water moving through your pipes, which makes it less likely to freeze. It’s particularly helpful for faucets located on exterior walls or areas that are colder than the rest of your home.
Keep in mind that this is especially useful for pipes that are more prone to freezing, such as those near uninsulated walls. While this small trick can use extra water, it’s much cheaper than dealing with a burst pipe and the repairs that come with it.
- Keep the Heat On
Even if you’re going on vacation during the winter months, it’s crucial to maintain a minimum temperature inside your home. Set your thermostat to at least 55 °F (13 °C) to ensure that the air remains warm enough to keep your residential plumbing systems from freezing. If you plan to leave your home for an extended period, consider leaving cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes in bathrooms and kitchens.
Maintaining the right indoor temperature is one of the easiest ways to avoid expensive plumbing repairs in the winter.
- Flush Your Water Heater
Another important part of winterizing your home plumbing system is maintaining your water heater. Over time, sediment can build up inside the tank, which can reduce its efficiency. Before the cold weather arrives, flush your water heater to remove any accumulated sediment. This simple step ensures that your water heater works efficiently throughout the winter and provides you with hot water when you need it.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your home plumbing system may seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth the effort. By taking these steps, you can avoid the hassle and cost of plumbing repairs caused by freezing pipes. Remember to insulate pipes, drain outdoor faucets, seal gaps, and maintain a steady indoor temperature to protect your plumbing through the colder months.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure your residential plumbing systems are fully prepared for winter. Keep your home safe and your plumbing system running smoothly all season long!