Winterizing
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, ensuring that your plumbing system is prepared for the cold is essential. Freezing pipes can cause significant damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs and a disruption of your water supply. But don't worry – winterizing your plumbing is a simple process that can help you avoid these headaches. Here's your step-by-step guide to get your pipes ready for winter!
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are more vulnerable to freezing, especially those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, or crawl spaces. Wrapping these pipes in insulation sleeves or foam pipe insulation is an affordable and effective way to keep them warm. Pay extra attention to pipes that run along exterior walls, as they are more likely to freeze.
Tip: Use heat tape or cables for extra protection in particularly cold areas. These devices wrap around your pipes and turn on when temperatures drop, helping prevent freezing.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can sneak into your home through cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, or where pipes enter the building. Seal these with caulk or expanding foam to block out the cold. Not only will this help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, but it will also keep your pipes insulated and safe.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses and faucets are some of the most common places for winter plumbing problems. When left connected, water in the hose or faucet can freeze, causing pipes to burst. To prevent this, disconnect and drain all garden hoses. If possible, shut off the valve that leads to outdoor faucets and open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out.
Tip: For extra protection, you can purchase insulated covers for outdoor faucets to keep them from freezing.
4. Allow Faucets to Drip
During extremely cold weather, it's a good idea to let your faucets drip. This allows a small stream of water to flow through your pipes, which helps to prevent freezing. If your pipes do freeze, this trick may help relieve some of the pressure that builds up in the system, reducing the risk of a pipe bursting.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
In areas where pipes are located near exterior walls, such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. If you have a sink on an exterior wall, this can make a big difference in preventing freezing.
6. Shut Off the Water Supply to Unused Areas
If you have plumbing in seasonal areas like a vacation home, cottage, or storage shed, it’s a good idea to shut off the water supply and drain the pipes completely. This will prevent water from freezing in the pipes while you're away.
Tip: Don’t forget to also drain toilets and any water-using appliances in these spaces.
7. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater needs winter attention too. If your water heater is in an uninsulated area, consider insulating it to keep it running efficiently during the cold months. For homes with a tankless water heater, ensure it is properly winterized to prevent freezing and keep the water flowing when you need it most.
8. Know How to Handle Frozen Pipes
Even with the best precautions, sometimes pipes still freeze. If this happens, act quickly. First, turn off the water supply to the affected area. Then, gently warm the frozen pipe using a hairdryer or space heater. Do not use open flames, as this could cause damage or a fire. If you cannot locate or thaw the frozen pipe yourself, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
9. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
If you plan to leave your home for an extended period during the winter, make sure the thermostat is set to a consistent, moderate temperature (around 55°F or 13°C). This can help prevent any pipes from freezing, even if you're not there to monitor them.
10. Perform Regular Inspections
Before the winter chill sets in, take the time to inspect your plumbing system. Check for leaks, signs of wear and tear, and areas that might need extra insulation. Regular maintenance will keep your system in good working order and reduce the chances of winter plumbing disasters.
