Plumbing problems often occur during winter because the season puts stress on your pipes. Seasonal shifts can push your plumbing to its breaking point. If your house isn’t prepared for winter it could cost you a large amount of money in the future.
Here are our tips on preparing your plumbing for winter:
Protect your pipes from freezing
When the temperatures drop, water can easily freeze inside and cause pipes to burst. If you’re not home or unaware of a pipe burst, it can result in a disastrous flood that damages your home and belongings. To reduce the chance of your pipes freezing, wrap un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam. Purchase foam tubes with slits in the side and cut them to the length you need. You should then pull it open and push it over and around your pipe. Finally, use duct tape to secure the foam if it doesn’t have adhesive edges.
Fix plumbing leaks now
Now is the time to fix plumbing issues. Check the faucets and spouts in your house for drips and puddles. If you have a leaky faucet, call your plumber immediately.
Drain the water heater
If you live somewhere with hard water, sediment can build up in your tank, which causes rust to develop inside. The rust can find its way into your drinking, cooking and bathing water. When your hot water heater is rusted or too old, purchase a new one before cold weather sets in.
Get rid of your outdoor hose
While it’s cold outside, the best home plumbing practice is to disconnect, wrap up and pack away your garden hose. When you leave the hose connected outside in the winter, it can cause the remaining water to freeze and expand. This will freeze your faucets and connecting pipes as well.
Drain and close shut-off valves that lead outdoors
If you have interior shut-off valves leading to outdoor faucets, close them and rain the water from outside lines. Any water that remains in the lines and freezes will cause major damage.
Clean your home’s sump pump pit
Inspect and clean your sump pump and the pit where it is stored. When it’s exposed to extreme cold, the pump can freeze and stop working. If your sump pump malfunctions, water can enter the basement and cause flooding, especially during heavy rain seasons. Inspect your pump and pit before it gets cold to avoid flood damage.