Plumbing Tips for Surviving the Winter

Take Time in the Fall to Protect the Plumbing in the Winter

Spring cleaning is a time for home maintenance. The less popular version, fall maintenance, is just as crucial but doesn’t share the same pomp. Preparing the home for winter isn’t as exciting as getting out and doing chores first thing in the spring weather, but it is equally important to help the home survive winter threats. The plumbing, in particular, is vulnerable when temperatures drop, and homeowners should take the opportunity in the fall to help prevent it from freezing during the winter. 

Here are some tips from local experts to guide homeowners through the process of winterizing their home’s plumbing.

Inspect and Add Pipe Insulation

Winter is here, and with it comes freezing temperatures. Cold air can cause major problems when pipes aren’t properly protected. The main risk that winter poses to plumbing is that of frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they tend to burst, allowing the pressurized water within to quickly flood an area. Similar situations can cause massive property damage and loss of water service during the winter. 

The first step in preventing frozen pipes is locating piping susceptible to freezing. Local plumbers can be particularly helpful when looking for pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and basements that may freeze. Once the pipes are located, installing pipe insulation may be all that is needed to protect vulnerable piping. If pipes around the home are already insulated, homeowners should take time in the fall to inspect the insulation and replace it if necessary. 

Keep the Home Warm and Open Cabinets

Homes are designed to protect piping through the winter. Pipes that are routed through the walls are protected by the insulation in exterior walls that keeps the home warm. In some cases, insulation may be inadequate or deteriorated enough that the spaces between the walls can drop below freezing.  

When winter temperatures reach this point, there are two things to do. First, turning up the thermostat a couple of degrees can help keep pipes warm by keeping the walls warmer. Second, allowing warm air to circulate next to the interior face of exterior walls can increase their temperatures. For example, opening cabinets that cover the piping of sinks with pipes in exterior walls can stop cool air from pooling in the cabinet and allow warm air to circulate next to the wall. 

Disconnect Hoses and Drain Outdoor Plumbing

The final step that needs to be taken to prepare the plumbing for the winter is to drain hoses and outdoor plumbing fixtures. Disconnect hoses from their bibs, drape them over a fence or chair to let them drain, and coil them and store them until spring. Adding hose bib covers can help prevent the piping that serves them from freezing. 

Outdoor kitchens or irrigation systems should be turned off at shutoff valves and allowed to drain. Some manufacturers may recommend using RV antifreeze to prevent portions from freezing. Plumbers can help with this process or at least help identify vulnerable fixtures. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons know what local homeowners are up against during the winter. Their teams help solve various plumbing problems and are always available to help in emergencies. Their services use the latest technology with flat-rate pricing and are performed by licensed and fully insured technicians. Call today for plumbing service in Chatham, NJ. 

Contact Information:

Sewer Surgeons

33 River Rd. Suite B
Chatham, NJ 07928
United States

Melody Rodriguez
(973) 579-3322
https://sewersurgeons.com/