How to Winterize Your Plumbing Before the First Freeze
Ensuring your home’s plumbing is ready for the season is essential to avoid costly repairs and water damage. This is what we call ‘winterizing’ – i.e., preparing your home for winter. At Caldwell Plumbing, we’re here to help you winterize plumbing with some expert cold weather plumbing tips and tricks.
1: Insulate to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Take the time to identify pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing. Not sure where to find them? Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or exterior walls are at higher risk. Once identified:
Install Pipe Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect exposed pipes from cold temperatures.
Seal Drafts: Check for drafts near pipes and seal any gaps in walls, floors, or ceilings to block cold air.
2: Service Your Water Heater
Cold weather puts extra strain on your water heater, requiring more hot showers and water for heating. It’s imperative you make sure yours is ready to tackle the season. Schedule a hot water tank system check with Caldwell Plumbing to:
- Flush out sediment build-up.
- Inspect the anode rod for wear.
- Adjust the thermostat for efficiency.
3: Keep Indoor Pipes Warm
Keep Cabinet Doors Open: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Keep your thermostat set to at least 12°C (55°F) even when you’re away from home.
Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, let a small trickle of water flow through faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
4: Test Your Sump Pump
A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding during winter thaws or heavy rains. We encourage you to test yours to make sure everything’s in working order. Here’s how:
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump.
- Inspect the discharge line to make sure it’s free of obstructions and insulated to prevent freezing.
5: Know How to Shut Off Your Water
If you encounter a winter plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is to shut off your home’s water supply. Locate the main shut-off valve and ensure it’s accessible. If you’re unsure where it’s located, Caldwell Plumbing can help during a professional inspection.
6: Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
These are all straightforward, DIY ways you can winterize your plumbing. However, we know that it’s not possible for everyone to undergo these inspections themselves – and those who do might still want extra peace of mind.
Now is the time to schedule a winterization inspection with Caldwell Plumbing. Our experts will assess your plumbing system and perform any necessary repairs or upgrades to prevent frozen pipes and other cold weather issues.
Trust Caldwell Plumbing for Winterization Services in Durham Region
Winter can sneak up fast. It’s best to make sure your home’s plumbing system is up to the job of keeping you safe and warm before it’s too late. At Caldwell Plumbing, we specialize in everything from insulation to maintenance and everything in between – including emergency repairs.
Contact us today to schedule your professional winterization service and safeguard your home before the first freeze hits. Call us now or visit our website to book an appointment.
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