As the cold months approach, it’s crucial to prepare your home’s plumbing system for winter. Properly winterizing your plumbing helps prevent frozen pipes, costly repairs, and water damage. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your plumbing ready for the winter:
1. Insulate Pipes
The best way to protect your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Wrap all exposed pipes with foam insulation, especially those in colder areas like basements, attics, and garages. This not only keeps the pipes from freezing but also helps keep the water inside them warm, which can save on heating costs.
2. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Outdoor faucets and irrigation systems can easily freeze in the winter. Turn off the water supply to these and drain them completely to keep any leftover water from freezing and causing the pipes to burst. Covering outdoor faucets with insulated covers is also a smart move for extra protection.
3. Seal Leaks
Check your home for any leaks or cracks that might let cold air inside, particularly where pipes run through walls or foundations. Seal these spots with caulk or insulation foam. Making sure your home is well-sealed not only keeps pipes from freezing but also improves your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Keep the Heat On
If you’re going to be away during the winter, leave your heating on and set it to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps keep the inside of your home warm enough to prevent pipes within the walls from freezing.
5. Allow Faucet Dripping
When it’s very cold, let your faucets drip slightly if the pipes are exposed. This small flow of water can prevent pressure buildup in the pipes and stop them from bursting, even if the water inside freezes.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
Open the doors of any cabinets under sinks, especially if the sinks are on an outside wall. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, helping to keep them from freezing.
7. Disconnect Hoses
Take off, drain, and store any garden hoses. Shut the inside valves that feed outdoor hose bibs, but leave the outside open to let any remaining water drain out. This stops water from freezing in the pipes.
8. Flush Water Heaters
Water heaters have to work harder in winter. Flushing out sediment from your water heater can boost its efficiency and extend its lifespan. Drain the tank to remove sediment, which helps the heater work better and last longer.
9. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
Check the pressure relief valve on your water heater to make sure it’s working right. This valve prevents too much pressure and temperature in the heater. Lift the valve handle to release a bit of water into the drain. If no water comes out, or if it keeps dripping, you might need to replace the valve.
10. Professional Inspection
Think about getting a professional plumber to check your home’s plumbing before winter starts. They can spot and fix problems that might not be obvious, ensuring your system is completely ready for the cold.
By following these steps, you can make sure your plumbing is prepared for winter, lowering the risk of freezing pipes and ensuring you have a steady and reliable water supply all season long.
If you need assistance in choosing and installing the appliances, we got you covered with the finest service in town, contact AO Dowd Plumbing, Plumber in Fontana any time at 909-684-1915 or at aodowdplumbing@gmail.com.