Falling temperatures are a gentle reminder that winter is just around the corner. This is the time to prepare your home’s plumbing for the cold weather. Winter weather may be harsh on your home’s plumbing, but taking a few basic precautions will help. Protect your house against burst and frozen pipes by following these seven tips as you prepare for the next cold season.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
A frozen pipe is a nightmare waiting to happen. One of the most critical tasks is to ensure that your piping insulation is set to go. Properly insulated piping is not only less prone to freeze, but it may also enable the water heater to run more efficiently since there will be less heat loss. Have a professional plumber inspect your pipes to ensure that the insulation is in good condition and does not exhibit signs of degradation.
2. Fix Plumbing Leaks
A water leak, if left unchecked, may devastate your property by producing issues ranging from high utility costs to mold growth and structural damage. That is something you would prefer to avoid dealing with over the holidays! Call an expert plumber for leak detection services if you think your house has a plumbing leak.
3. Fix Wall Cracks
If there are cracks in your home’s external walls, you should have them repaired as soon as possible. This prevents cold air from getting into your home and lowering its temperature. Cracks and gaps often exist around windows and doors as well. Repairing these issues with caulk or weatherstripping will keep your home more efficient while lowering your risk of frozen pipes.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
If the weather is expected to dip below freezing, it’s often a good idea to open cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This will allow warm air to reach your plumbing. In very cold temperatures you can also use a portable heater for added warmth.
5. Let Faucets Drip
Consider running a small amount of water through the faucets overnight in freezing weather. This prevents the water from freezing inside the pipes. It’s best to let the faucet that is farthest away from your main water line drip slightly so that water runs throughout your plumbing system.
6. Drain the Water Heater
Hard water creates sediment accumulation in your water heater over time. This sediment can build up and cause various issues, including clogged pipes. To ensure that you have hot water throughout the winter months, have a local plumber drain your hot water heater.
7. Check Outdoor Pipes
While you’re preparing your indoor plumbing for winter weather, don’t forget about your outdoor plumbing. Turn off any outside faucets and taps and drain any remaining water. Don’t forget to disconnect all your hoses and drain the water from them before putting them inside your house for the winter. Hoses that are left connected can freeze and back up into your outdoor faucet, leaving you with a burst pipe inside your home.
Taking steps to prepare your plumbing for winter will go a long way toward preventing leaks and other plumbing issues. If you’re in Fountain Valley, CA or the surrounding area, contact our plumbing professionals at Carlson Plumbing for assistance.
