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Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage. Creating a winter plumbing checklist helps you avoid these problems.
Your checklist should include insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas and sealing any cracks or openings in your home's exterior. Consider outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems and keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you're away. Easy tasks like these can save you from big headaches and expensive repairs later.
Preventing and Managing Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can damage your home and you should take measures to prevent and manage freezing. Knowing how to handle frozen pipes can save you from costly repairs.
Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Insulating your pipes is key to stopping them from freezing. You should focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, wrapping them with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation.
Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls as these are more likely to freeze, using thicker insulation in very cold areas.
Outdoor faucets also need attention and you should remove hoses and drain faucets before winter, then cover them with insulated faucet covers.
Applying Heat Tape and Cable Solutions
Heat tape and cables can keep pipes warm. You simply wrap them around pipes following the product instructions. Ensure the right type for your pipes as some work for metal pipes, others for plastic. Remember to check the tape or cables each year before winter and replace any that are worn or damaged, and always plug heat tape into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for safety.
Strategic Use of Indoor Faucets
Let faucets drip during freezing weather as this keeps water moving and helps prevent freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes.
Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you're away to stop pipes in exterior walls from getting too cold. If pipes freeze, turn on faucets and use a hair dryer to warm the pipes. Start near the faucet and work your way along the pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
Protecting Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing fixtures are at risk during cold weather and you need to protect them to prevent costly damage and repairs.
Winterizing Outdoor Faucets
Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets via the shut-off valve inside your home which is usually in the basement or crawl space.
Next, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water, leaving it open to prevent pressure buildup if any water freezes inside.
Install foam insulation covers on outdoor faucets to provide reliable protection against freezing temperatures. For extra safety, wrap pipes near exterior walls with foam pipe insulation. This helps guard against burst pipes.
Disconnecting Hoses and Applying Covers
Remove all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them completely, then store them in a dry place for the winter. Leaving hoses attached can trap water, leading to frozen and burst pipes so make sure to disconnect even frost-free faucets.
After removing the hoses, install insulated faucet covers that fit over the faucet to protect it from harsh winter conditions. For hard-to-reach or in-ground fixtures, use spray foam insulation around openings which seals gaps and provides added insulation against freezing.
Check your sprinkler system too, draining it completely and insulating any above-ground parts to prevent damage.
Maintaining Your Plumbing System
Regular upkeep of your plumbing system is key to avoiding costly repairs. Proper care can help you catch small issues before they become big problems.
Checking for Leaks and Weak Spots
Look for signs of leaks around your pipes, under sinks, near toilets, and around appliances that use water.
Signs of a leak include:
- Water stains
- Damp spots
- Musty smells
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
Feel pipes for moisture or drips and listen for running water when no taps are on. You also need to test your shut-off valve once a year as this valve stops water flow to your home in case of a big leak. Turn it off and on to make sure it works correctly.
Cleaning Gutters and Drains
Clean your gutters twice yearly to prevent water from backing up and damaging your roof or walls. This should involve removing leaves and debris, checking for cracks or loose parts, and ensuring downspouts point away from your home
Clean drains in sinks, tubs, and showers monthly using a mix of baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water. This keeps pipes clear and stops clogs. For outdoor drains, remove any leaves or trash that could block water flow to avoid flooding during heavy rain or snow melt.
Inspecting and Servicing Your Water Heater
Check your water heater every six months, look for rust or corrosion, leaks around the base, or strange noises when it's running
You should also flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment as this helps it work better and last longer.
To do this:
- Turn off the power or gas
- Connect a hose to the drain valve
- Open the valve and let the water flow until it's clear
- Close the valve and refill the tank
Test the pressure relief valve yearly as this valve releases pressure if it gets too high. If it doesn't work, replace it. You could consider calling a professional plumber for a full check-up if your water heater is over 10 years old as it may need special attention.
Special Considerations for Cold Spells and Vacations
Cold spells and vacations can put extra stress on your home's plumbing but a few key steps will help protect your pipes and save energy.
Sealing Holes and Cracks for Energy Efficiency
Look for gaps around windows, doors, and pipes, using caulk or foam sealant to close these openings. This keeps cold air out and warm air in. Check your attic and basement too, as even small cracks can let a lot of heat escape.
Pay attention to spots where utilities enter your home because these areas often have gaps. Seal them to stop drafts and don't forget about your garage door. A poorly sealed garage door can make nearby rooms colder.
Using Insulation and Weather Stripping
Add insulation to your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to keep your home warm. In some cases, proper insulation can cut heating costs by up to 15%. Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to block cold air from getting in and replace old or worn-out weather stripping.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements or garages to prevent freezing. You can use foam pipe sleeves or heat tape for this job.
Preparing Your Plumbing for Absences
If you're going on vacation, set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) to avoid your pipes freezing. You could also ask a friend to check on your house if you'll be gone for a long time.
Turn off the main water valve before you leave to stop leaks if a pipe bursts, remembering to drain your pipes by running faucets and flushing toilets after shutting off the water.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes, and if you have a tank water heater, turn it off or set it to "vacation" mode to save energy.
Speak to us today to arrange an inspection of your home and to discuss winter weatherproofing.
