Winter is a beautiful season with many wonderful aspects - the frosty mornings, snowfall, and the warmth of the holiday season. However, with these amazing moments come some unpleasant ones, like freezing temperatures, ice dams, and blocked pipes. As you brace yourself for winter, pay attention to your plumbing system, which is usually the most common target of the cold weather. Preparing your plumbing for the cold season might seem difficult, but following these simple precautions can save you the hassle of dealing with burst pipes, flooding, and other drainage issues.
Insulate Your Pipes
Since pipes are the most delicate part of your plumbing system, they require extra protection during the cold season. Before the winter sets in, ensure that you insulate your pipes using foam or rubber sleeves. The insulation helps keep them warm while minimizing the chances of freezing and bursting. Cover pipes in areas exposed to extreme cold, like the basement, garage, or outside the house.
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a warm temperature within your house can go a long way toward preventing plumbing issues. During extreme winter, keep your temperature above 55 degrees to keep the pipes from freezing. Heating your house will also help melt any ice buildup in your pipes.
Regularly Inspect Your Gutters
Gutters are essential for directing water away from your house, but they can be susceptible to clogs and blockages during winter. Heavy snowfall combined with ice dams can cause ice to form within the gutter system, leading to water damage in your home. To prevent this, regularly inspect your gutters and ensure they are clean and free-flowing.
Maintain Your Hot Water Tank
Ensure that your hot water tank is working correctly. During winter, hot water demand grows, so it's critical to regularly service your hot water tank. This ensures that the unit works effectively and efficiently during the cold season. Contacting a contractor, such as Properly Done Rooter, can help keep you ahead of any potential breakdowns or failures of the tank. Additionally, you should check the temperature and ensure it's set between 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding accidents while saving on energy expenditure.
Protect Your Outdoor Fixtures
Exterior plumbing systems are generally exposed to the elements during winter, leaving them prone to damage. Turn off your outdoor faucets and disconnect the hoses and other attachments, such as sprinklers. Also, if you have a pool or spa, drain the water and turn off the valve.
Preventing plumbing issues during winter requires preparation, vigilance, and maintenance. Insulating your pipes, ensuring your hot water tank is working properly, clearing your gutters, and protecting outdoor fixtures from the cold weather are some precautions to keep your plumbing working effectively during winter. Neglecting your plumbing during winter can result in significant issues, such as damage to your home or business, so pay attention to your plumbing and hire a professional plumber to inspect it. These precautions can prevent any plumbing problems and save you from significant costs.
