As winter approaches, protecting your home’s plumbing should be a top priority. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes, causing bursts, leaks, and costly repairs. Thankfully, essential winter plumbing maintenance can safeguard your system throughout the season. Slim Plumbing is here to help ensure your pipes and drainage systems are ready to handle the freezing temperatures.
Why Winter Plumbing Maintenance Matters
Water expands when it freezes, which can lead to burst pipes and significant water damage if not properly managed. Even minor plumbing issues can develop into major damage and extensive repairs once temperatures dip below freezing. Winter plumbing maintenance is essential to prevent freezing pipes, keep your water flowing, and ensure your system operates efficiently, saving you from unplanned expenses.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas like garages, basements, and attics, are highly vulnerable to freezing. Insulating these pipes can significantly reduce the risk of frozen, burst pipes and help maintain the temperature of your water.
How to Insulate Pipes:
Wrap pipes with foam insulation or heating tape for added protection. Foam insulation tubes are affordable and easy to install, fitting snugly over your pipes. For a more robust solution, heating tape provides warmth to pipes in extreme temperatures.
If you’re unsure which insulation method is right for your pipes, Slim Plumbing can assess your system and install high-quality insulation tailored to your home’s needs.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor water lines like hoses, spigots, and sprinkler systems can freeze quickly during cold snaps – setting the stage for breaks and leaks. Draining these lines is a simple but crucial step in winterizing your plumbing.
What to Do: Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Shut off any valves that supply outdoor faucets, and let any remaining water drain out of the lines. When in doubt, Slim Plumbing can help you winterize your water lines so that they’re ready to use when spring arrives.
Prepare Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime in the winter, as temperatures fall your heater must work harder to provide hot water. With the right care, you can avoid inconvenient breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
Maintenance Steps:
- Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and puts unnecessary strain on the heater. Flushing it at least once a year clears out the sediment and helps it perform optimally.
- Adjust the Temperature: Set the water heater to a maximum of 120℉ to avoid overworking it and to ensure that you aren’t heating water unnecessarily.
- Insulate the Heater: If your water heater is in an unheated space, consider adding an insulation blanket to help retain heat.
Slim Plumbing provides comprehensive water heater maintenance to help your home enjoy warm showers and clean laundry and dishes all winter long.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Pipes under the sinks of kitchens and bathrooms are especially prone to freezing due to reduced airflow. Opening the doors to these cabinets allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing. While this is a simple task, it’s easy to overlook. Consider it part of your daily winter routine – especially when temperatures dip well below freezing. This small step can save you from major repairs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Seal Cracks and Drafts
Cold air can seep into your home through small cracks around windows, doors, and walls – particularly in basements and crawl spaces. These drafts can expose nearby pipes to freezing temperatures. Seal any visible cracks with caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam insulation for larger gaps. Slim Plumbing can help identify areas in your home where cold air might pose a threat to your pipes and offer solutions to protect your plumbing while improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Know How to Shut off Your Water
If a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to shut off your water quickly can prevent severe water damage. Familiarize yourself with your main water shutoff valve and ensure it is accessible and easy to operate. Slim Plumbing can help you locate and maintain your shutoff valve. Also, inspect the surrounding plumbing to detect any weak points or trouble areas.
Trust Slim Plumbing for Your Winter Maintenance Needs
Slim Plumbing is a trusted, licensed plumbing company that can help with essential winter maintenance. With comprehensive residential plumbing services and emergency services, you’ll never have to go without hot water. Let us help you winterize your home so that you can enjoy the season without fear of freezing pipes.