Winter can be tough on your plumbing system, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. If your pipes aren’t properly prepared for the cold, you could end up with frozen pipes, burst lines, and costly repairs. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can protect your home and avoid plumbing disasters. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to winterize your plumbing system and keep everything running smoothly through the colder months.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the best ways to protect your plumbing system from freezing temperatures is to insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages, are especially vulnerable to freezing. By insulating these pipes, you can prevent them from freezing and bursting when the temperature drops.
• What to Do: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to cover exposed pipes. These materials are easy to install and provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. Pay close attention to pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
One of the most common causes of frozen pipes is leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets during the winter. When water in the hose freezes, it can expand and create pressure inside the faucet and connected pipes, leading to cracks or bursts.
• What to Do: Before the first freeze, disconnect and store all outdoor hoses. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and open the faucets to allow any remaining water to drain. If possible, install faucet covers for extra insulation.
3. Drain Your Sprinkler System
If you have an outdoor irrigation system, it’s important to drain the water from the pipes before winter sets in. Leftover water in your sprinkler system can freeze, expand, and damage the pipes.
• What to Do: Follow your sprinkler system’s manufacturer instructions to drain the water from the lines. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider hiring a professional to winterize your system for you. It’s a small investment that can prevent costly repairs in the spring.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Pipes
Cold air can easily seep into your home through small cracks and gaps around pipes. When the temperature around your pipes drops, the risk of freezing increases, especially if the pipes aren’t insulated.
• What to Do: Inspect areas around your home where pipes enter or exit, such as exterior walls, windows, and doors. Use caulking or spray foam insulation to seal any gaps and prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.
5. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
During especially cold weather, opening cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom can help keep warm air circulating around your pipes. This is particularly useful for pipes that run along exterior walls, as they are more likely to freeze.
• What to Do: On particularly cold nights, leave cabinet doors open to allow the warm air from your home to reach the pipes under sinks and along exterior walls.
6. Let Faucets Drip
In extreme cold, even insulated pipes can freeze if temperatures drop low enough. One simple trick to prevent freezing is to let your faucets drip. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water, so keeping a slow trickle of water flowing can help protect your pipes.
• What to Do: On very cold nights, let both hot and cold water drip from faucets, especially those connected to exposed or vulnerable pipes. A slow drip is enough to keep the water flowing and reduce the risk of freezing.
7. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
In the event of a pipe burst or other plumbing emergency, you’ll need to act quickly to shut off the water supply to your home. Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located and how to use it can save you from extensive water damage.
• What to Do: Find your main water shutoff valve (usually located in the basement, crawl space, or near your water meter) and make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn it off in case of an emergency.
8. Get Professional Help for Winterization
Winterizing your plumbing system is an important step in protecting your home, but some tasks may require professional assistance. If you’re unsure how to properly winterize your system, a plumber can help ensure everything is set up to handle the cold.
• What to Do: Schedule a professional plumbing inspection before winter to check for any issues that could lead to frozen or burst pipes. A plumber can also help with tasks like draining your water heater or installing pipe insulation.
Conclusion
Winterizing your plumbing system is a simple yet essential task that can save you from the headaches of frozen pipes and costly repairs. By insulating pipes, disconnecting hoses, and taking a few preventive measures, you can keep your plumbing system safe throughout the winter months. If you need help preparing your home for the cold, Advocate Plumbing is here to assist. Our team of experienced plumbers can ensure your system is winter-ready, so you can enjoy a worry-free season. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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