Winter is coming, and while that means cozy nights by the fire, it can also mean frozen pipes and a world of expensive repairs if you’re not prepared. This is especially important if you live in a region prone to frigid temperatures or plan on leaving your house vacant during the colder months. But winterizing house plumbing isn’t just about preventing a disaster – it’s about ensuring your home runs smoothly all season. And yes, while it might seem a little daunting, with a few simple steps, you can protect your plumbing and avoid becoming a cautionary tale.
Why is Winterizing Home Plumbing Pipes Crucial?
Simply put, when liquid water freezes, it expands. Now imagine that expansion happening inside your plumbing system. You’re looking at potential burst pipes, leading to leaks, water damage, and a hefty repair bill.
This is even more critical if you are thinking about listing your vacant house during the winter months. Forgetting even one step in the winterizing process can result in thousands of dollars in damage.
Steps to Successfully Winterize Your Plumbing
Protecting your home’s house plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s break it down:
Inside Your Home
Even the most tucked-away pipes need attention. Here’s what you can do:
- Find Those Hidden Leaks: Even the smallest drip can freeze and cause big problems. Check all faucets and fixtures for leaks and get those fixed before the temperature drops.
- Drain Your Irrigation Systems: Turn off the main water supply valve to your irrigation or sprinkler system and ensure it’s completely drained for winter. This will prevent your pipes located underground from freezing, expanding, and cracking.
- Wrap Exposed Pipes: Pipes in unheated spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and basements are vulnerable to cold air. Use heat tape or insulation sleeves to give them an extra layer of protection. You can even use old towels or blankets in an emergency.
- Know Your Shut-Off Valves: Locate the main shutoff valve for your house. This will come in handy if you do have a frozen pipe – you can quickly shut off the water supply and minimize potential damage.
Outside Your Home
Exterior plumbing takes a beating during winter. Here’s your game plan:
- Disconnect and Drain Hoses: Detach garden hoses from outside faucets and allow them to drain completely. Any remaining water can freeze, expand, and damage the faucets and pipes.
- Turn Off Outdoor Faucets: After disconnecting your hoses, locate the shut-off valves for your outdoor faucets (usually inside your home near an exterior wall) and turn off the water flow to these faucets.
Insulate Outdoor Faucets: Consider using insulated covers for outdoor faucets or hose bibbs to give them extra protection from the elements. A closed garage door can also help keep your exterior walls and pipes a bit warmer.
Additional Winterizing Tips:
Go the extra mile to safeguard your plumbing:
- Setting the thermostat to at least 55° Fahrenheit, even when you’re away, can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks that are on an exterior wall. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Know When to Call a Professional: If you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of winterizing pipes or suspect issues beyond your DIY skills, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber. They can help ensure the job is done right, giving you peace of mind.
When You're Away: Going the Extra Mile
If you’re planning an extended period or live in an area with severe winters, you’ll need to take winterizing a step further:
1. The Big Drain
Draining your plumbing system completely is key when leaving your house vulnerable to freezing temperatures. This helps avoid water freezing in your pipes. When water freezes, it expands and can lead to pipe damage.
Here’s how to drain your house plumbing:
- Shut off the main water supply valve to your home.
- Open all faucets, both indoors and outdoors, allowing them to drain completely.
- Don’t forget to flush toilets. This will help empty the water lines and tanks.
- Locate your water heater’s drain valve. Please be aware that specific instructions for draining a water heater vary depending on the type you have. Consulting your user manual or seeking guidance from a qualified plumber will ensure you don’t unintentionally damage your unit or risk injury.
2. Antifreeze: Your Pipe’s Best Friend
This step isn’t always necessary, but it’s added insurance, especially if your pipes have a history of freezing. Using plumbing antifreeze helps prevent remaining water in pipes and traps from freezing.
Pour an environmentally safe [antifreeze] into your toilet bowl and tank. It will keep the flapper/seals in the toilet tank lubricated and prevent them from dry rotting. You should also pour antifreeze down sink drains and tub drains.
3. Remember the Water Heater
Water tanks can also be affected by extremely cold temperatures. For tank-style water heaters, it’s generally recommended to set the temperature to its lowest setting or consider draining it completely.
For tankless water heaters, following the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing is important. Refer to the owner’s manual for detailed guidance. In case of prolonged absences, especially in colder climates, you may need to drain the unit completely to avoid the risk of freezing. The procedures may involve closing water valves, releasing pressure, and opening specific drains. It is generally recommended to engage a qualified plumber familiar with tankless water heaters for this purpose. They possess the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure safe and correct draining, minimizing the risk of potential damage or hazards.
A Little Effort, a Lot of Peace of Mind
Taking these preventive measures is an investment in the longevity of your plumbing system. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and ensuring your home is a cozy sanctuary no matter the weather outside.
Conclusion
By following these steps for winterizing plumbing, you’re taking a proactive approach to prevent potentially costly repairs and ensure a worry-free winter. By addressing both the interior and exterior aspects, you’re setting your home up for a safe and cozy season.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.