Going into the winter without adequately preparing and protecting your plumbing system can get you in a world of trouble. The freezing temperatures are a menace, especially to your ailing pipes. Your worst-case scenario? Having to deal with a burst pipe, which you could have prevented by winterizing your plumbing.
Like your personal plumbing maintenance measures, winterizing your pipes can also be done without the help of a reliable plumber. It’s all about putting a series of pipe protection measures in place to shield your system from freezing shut and stay away from any costly winter plumbing repair.
Here’s a detailed winterization guide from your local plumber, Mr. Drippy Plumbing you can follow.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Insulating your exposed pipes is something you can’t neglect when winterizing your plumbing. In fact, it should be your first line of defense against freezing temperatures. Focus on padding exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
You can get your hands on different insulation materials, including classic foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or pipe sleeves for best results. For an extra layer of protection, you can also wrap the pipes in heat cables or blankets.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Plugging holes where the winter chill can enter not only protects your home from the cold but also diminish the chance of your pipes freezing. Start by inspecting the areas where pipes enter or exit the home, such as around windows, doors, vents, and electrical outlets. Seal gaps with caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.
3. Let Faucets Drip
In extreme cold, dormant water freezes the earliest. Letting your faucets drip a little will allow the water to move through the pipes and reduce the chance of freezing. Doing so also helps alleviate the pressure in the system, preventing frozen pipes from bursting.
4. Keep Garage Doors Closed
Much like sealing the gaps and cracks in walls, closing the garage doors keeps the winter chill away from your pipes. This is vital to preventing exposed pipes in your garage from freezing early on.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
Opening cabinet doors will allow warm indoor air to circulate well. This may be a small act, but you’ll need every bit of warmth touching your plumbing to prevent it from freezing shut.
6. Leave Your Heat On
You might be tempted to turn your heat off when leaving, but this is a grave and costly mistake during winter. Shutting your furnace will remove all the defenses against the cold. Whether you’re at home or not, maintaining indoor warmth is critical to avoiding frozen pipes.
When you’re away, keep your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This is more economical than getting home to your burst pipes, which may cost you hundreds to over a thousand dollars for plumbing repair.
7. Address Leaks Early
Part of your pre-winter check is to look for and address small pipe leaks that could worsen during freezing conditions. Even a small drip can indicate a more serious problem, and freezing water can turn a small leak into a burst pipe.
8. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots and drain them completely to prevent water from freezing inside the hose or faucet. If your home has outdoor water shut-off valves, turn them off and drain the lines.
What you want to avoid here is the freezing of the water from the hose, which can extend to the pipe in the faucet where the hose connects. This can cause the faucet pipe to freeze and burst, leading to major water damage once it thaws.
Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter—And Know Who to Call if the Unexpected Happens
By following these winterization steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the costly repairs that come with them. However, even with the best preparations, harsh winter conditions can still cause unexpected issues.
If you do face a plumbing emergency this winter, rest assured that you don’t have to handle it alone. At Mr. Drippy Plumbing, we’re here for you when the unexpected happens. Our experienced team is ready to tackle any plumbing disaster quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home stays safe and your plumbing system runs smoothly.
Stay prepared, and if the worst happens, count on Mr. Drippy Plumbing to be your go-to for fast and reliable emergency repairs.
