Essential Tips for Winterizing Your Plumbing System
Winter’s just around the corner, and now’s the perfect time to make sure your plumbing is set to handle the chill. When temperatures dip, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to big messes and expensive fixes. Thankfully, with a few quick steps, you can keep your plumbing safe from the cold and avoid last-minute emergencies. Here’s how to winterize your plumbing so it runs smoothly all season.
1. Wrap Up Exposed Pipes
Pipes in colder areas of your home—like attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls—are particularly vulnerable to freezing. These spots tend to stay colder than other parts of the house, putting any exposed pipes at risk. To prevent freezing, wrap these pipes with foam pipe insulation or rubber sleeves, both of which are easy to install. Heat tape is another excellent option, especially for pipes in extremely cold areas, as it provides a gentle warmth to keep the water flowing. Once you’ve insulated, double-check that there aren’t any gaps where cold air could still reach the pipes, especially at any joints or bends. This simple step can save you from a major headache later!
2. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses
Leaving water in outdoor hoses can spell trouble. When water freezes, it expands, potentially causing hoses and even connected faucets to crack. To avoid this, disconnect each hose from its spigot, drain it thoroughly, and store it indoors. If your outdoor faucets have separate shutoff valves, turn those off too and open the faucets to release any remaining water.
Consider these steps for added protection:
- Install frost-proof spigots if you live in an area with severe winter temperatures.
- Store hoses indoors to prevent any residual water from freezing and causing splits.
This extra layer of defense keeps outdoor water lines safe all season long, minimizing the risk of leaks or burst pipes come spring.
3. Seal Up Drafty Areas
Cold air can seep in through small gaps around windows, doors, and even cracks in your foundation, which can cause unheated spaces near these openings to chill your pipes. Walk through your home, checking for any drafts or gaps around doors and windows. Use weatherstripping for doors and caulk for any gaps around windows to keep cold air out. Don’t forget to check around vents, electrical wiring, and even plumbing where it enters or exits the house—these spots are often left unsealed and can bring in cold air. By sealing up these drafty areas, you’ll protect your plumbing and improve your home’s overall warmth and energy efficiency.
4. Keep Your Home Warm, Even When You’re Away
Setting your thermostat to at least 55°F (around 13°C) is crucial if you’ll be away, even for a few days. While it might seem tempting to turn down the heat to save on energy, doing so could allow the pipes inside your walls or floors to freeze. By keeping the temperature consistent, you ensure that every part of your home stays warm enough to keep water flowing smoothly. If you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting it to lower temperatures at night and warmer during the day when it’s coldest. This approach is both energy-efficient and effective for maintaining safe conditions for your plumbing.
5. Let Faucets Drip on Very Cold Nights
When it’s particularly cold, letting a few faucets drip can actually make a big difference in preventing frozen pipes. Even a slow, steady drip keeps water moving through the pipes, which makes it harder for ice to form and block the flow. This little trick also reduces pressure in your plumbing system. When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can eventually cause pipes to burst. By allowing a bit of water to run, you relieve that pressure before it becomes a problem. Aim to do this with faucets along exterior walls or those connected to pipes in unheated areas for maximum protection.
6. Open Up Cabinet Doors
Pipes located under sinks, particularly those near exterior walls, can get chilly, even in a warm home. By opening cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms, you allow the warmth from your home to reach these pipes, which helps keep them from freezing. On especially cold days or nights, make it a habit to open these cabinets, even if it’s just for a few hours. This step is especially helpful in homes with limited insulation or in older homes with exterior wall pipes. Just make sure any chemicals or cleaners stored under the sink are out of reach of children or pets when the cabinets are open.
7. Know Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
If a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to shut off the water quickly can save you from a lot of water damage. Locate your main water shutoff valve—usually found in the basement, garage, or near the water meter—and make sure it’s easy to access. Consider labeling it, so everyone in your household can spot it quickly in an emergency. Test it a couple of times a year to ensure it works properly. Knowing this one small detail about your plumbing system can make all the difference during an emergency and minimize potential water damage to your home.
8. Get Your Water Heater Ready for Winter
A well-functioning water heater is essential in winter, not just for comfort but to prevent potential issues if it fails. Schedule a checkup for your water heater, ideally before the temperatures drop. A professional can flush out any sediment buildup, which helps your heater run more efficiently, and check for any signs of leaks or wear. If your water heater is located in a cooler area like a basement, consider wrapping it in a special insulation blanket to keep it running efficiently. This small investment will help extend the life of your heater and keep your showers nice and warm, even on the coldest mornings.
Water heater prep checklist:
- Flush out sediment to improve efficiency.
- Check for any signs of leaks that could worsen in winter.
- Wrap in an insulation blanket if it’s in an unheated area, like the garage.
9. Add Heating Cables for Extra Protection
For pipes in unheated or hard-to-insulate areas, heating cables provide an extra layer of security. These electric cables keep pipes warm by applying heat directly to them, which can be especially useful in places like crawl spaces, garages, or areas exposed to outdoor temperatures. Look for self-regulating heating cables, which adjust their heat output based on the temperature, making them energy-efficient and effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing heating cables, as improper use can damage the pipes. This solution is particularly helpful if you’ve had issues with freezing pipes in past winters and want to avoid them this season.
10. Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages can leave your home without heat, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. Having a backup plan, like portable heaters or a generator, can help maintain warmth in your home until the power returns. Make sure to use any backup heat sources safely, following all instructions and safety guidelines. A generator can keep essential systems, like your heating, running in an extended outage. Additionally, consider keeping a stash of warm blankets and extra winter clothing nearby to stay comfortable. Being prepared for power outages not only keeps your plumbing safe but also helps keep your family warm and secure during a storm.
Keep Your Plumbing Cozy This Winter
With these practical steps, you’re well on your way to keeping your plumbing safe and sound during the coldest months. A bit of preparation now can make all the difference, saving you from the stress and expense of frozen pipes and other winter woes.
If you need any assistance or have questions about winterizing your plumbing in the central Maryland area, reach out to Aqueduct Plumbing Services. We’re here to help keep your plumbing running smoothly all season! Give us a call at 443-202-5623 or visit our contact page to schedule a service. Let’s make sure your home is ready for a warm, worry-free winter!
