As the seasons change and the temperature drops, preparing your home’s plumbing system for winter’s challenges is important. Cold weather can wreak havoc on pipes and fixtures, leading to costly and inconvenient plumbing issues.
In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips for winterising your plumbing system, helping you safeguard your home and ensure a warm and cosy winter season.
Top 10 Tips for Winterising Your Plumbing System:
Insulate Exposed Pipes: Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Insulate them using foam sleeves or wrapping them in heat tape. Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
Disconnect Garden Hoses: Before the first frost, disconnect and drain your outdoor garden hoses. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and potential damage.
Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home’s foundation and exterior for any cracks or gaps where cold air could enter. Seal these openings to prevent chilly drafts from reaching your pipes.
Keep Faucets Dripping: On especially cold nights, allow faucets to drip slightly. This keeps water moving, reducing the risk of freezing within the pipes.
Maintain Indoor Temperatures: Keep your home at a consistent temperature, even when you’re away. This helps prevent drastic temperature changes that can lead to frozen pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This is particularly important in rooms with plumbing fixtures along exterior walls.
Service Your Water Heater: Flush your water heater to remove sediment build up. A well-maintained water heater is more efficient and less prone to issues during the colder months.
Seal Windows and Doors: Properly seal windows and doors to maintain indoor warmth. This helps with comfort and prevents cold air from reaching pipes near openings.
Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set lower temperatures when you’re not home and warmer temperatures when you are, reducing the risk of freezing pipes.
Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Familiarise yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve. In case of a frozen or burst pipe, you can quickly turn off the water supply to prevent extensive damage.
Winterising your plumbing system is a proactive step that can save you from the headache and expense of dealing with frozen or burst pipes. By following these top tips, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges of winter and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in maintaining the comfort and integrity of your home during the colder months.
At Plumfast, we’re here to assist you in winterising your plumbing system and addressing any plumbing concerns you may have. Contact Plumfast today to schedule a winter maintenance check and ensure a worry-free winter season for you and your family.
