Winter is almost here, and that means cold temperatures are back again. Winter weather can be beautiful with plenty of snow and beautiful scenery, but what might be a gorgeous time for you and your family can be chaos for your plumbing. If you’re not careful and prepared, cold weather can mean ruptured or frozen pipes, and repairing these can spell trouble for you. Here are just a few ways to get your water pipes and plumbing systems ready for the colder season to avoid having to deal with frozen pipe repair.
- Shut off outdoor faucets: When the temperature drops, uninsulated pipes and faucets will be the first to freeze and rupture if not shut off. Make sure that you turn off outdoor faucets and check any pipes in uninsulated areas. Also be careful to check water pipes in outdoor walls, as they will be closer to the cold temperatures.
- Know where the main water valve is: If something does go wrong and a pipe does freeze or rupture, you’ll need to shut off your house’s main water valve quickly to avoid further damage. Make sure you know the location of the main valve so that you’re ready in case of an emergency.
- Check your water heater: When temperatures drop, your water heater is going to be more important than ever. Hire plumbing services to ensure your water heater is operating at full capacity and to make any water heater repairs as needed. Make sure the temperature is set properly; your water heater shouldn’t go above 125 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
- Insulate water pipes: Wherever possible, make sure that you add insulation to any accessible, exposed pipes. The extra bit of insulation and warmth can make the difference between functional water pipes and a rupture.
- Fix any leaks: While you’re winterizing your pipes, make sure to fix any leaks as well. A leaky faucet can waste 100 gallons of water every day; if you’re already getting your pipes prepped for winter, it’s a good idea to ensure you’re conserving as much water as possible.
Looking for a bit of help preparing your pipes and plumbing for the upcoming cold weather? Contact Greenwell Plumbing for more information on how to keep your pipes warm and in fully functioning condition this winter.
