With freezing temperatures on the horizon, it’s recommended that households make sure their pipes and plumbing are winterized. This helps avoid bursting pipes or any malfunctioning that would lead to you and your family being stuck in the cold. Repairs and replacements can be a hassle, so it’s best to prepare beforehand to avoid any trouble. And we have some helpful tips for doing just that.
Insulate Those Pipes
Pipes in your home areas such as the garage, attic, or crawl space, are often more susceptible to freezing. Invest in pipe insulation for these areas, which helps keep them covered and protected during the wintertime. Be sure to have a professional come in to help with this, as you do not want to prevent warm air from getting through to your system accidentally.
Keep Outdoor Faucets Off
There’s not much grass and plants to be watered during this season, so there isn’t any need to have your outdoor faucets running. Before the first real frost hits, make sure you open up the outdoor faucets to let any excess water drip out. At the shutoff valve, turn off the faucet entirely to allow the bleeder cap to drain. This method helps ensure that the pipe doesn’t freeze or crack.
Run Your Water
To avoid having your pipes chill over while not being used on a frigid night, try to run your water a few times a day. This allows for pressure relief, preventing cracking due to frozen pipes. There might be a little uptake in your water bill, but this process is worth avoiding the nightmare of broken pipes during winter.
Often, it’s best to leave the hard steps to professionals. Easterday-Wilson has the knowledge and experience to help you plan for your winter and protect your pipes. Call us at 301-831-5170 for additional information and schedule your free water evaluation today.