More Than a Pipe Dream

Posted on: 21 September 2021

The winter season can be extremely rough on your home's plumbing system. This is especially true if you do not take the proper precautions to ensure your plumbing system is ready for the frigid outdoor temperatures. Thankfully you can help to avoid common winter plumbing problems such as frozen pipes by simply taking the time to complete the three steps outlined below. 

Shutdown Your Outside Water

Outdoor water faucets can be the source of some serious plumbing issues during the winter months since they are directly exposed to the cold winter air. To prevent these pipes from freezing and cracking, you will want to start by turning off the outdoor water using the shutoff valve. Once the water supply is turned off you should open the faucet and allow any remaining water to run through the pipe. Finally, you will want to use a faucet cover to protect the faucet itself from becoming iced over.

Add Extra Insulation Where Necessary

Pipes that are exposed to the outdoor air or that are located along exterior walls can be more susceptible to freezing. If these pipes are allowed to freeze, they can cause some rather serious water damage to your home once they begin to thaw. In order to prevent this type of damage and an interruption in your water supply, you will want to add some extra insulation around these pipes. This can be done by either insulating the area around the pipes or by insulating the pipes themselves. If you have access to electricity in the area where your pipes are located, you may also want to consider adding some heat tape to the pipes in order to provide additional heat if the pipes drop below a safe temperature. 

Have Your Water Heater Serviced

The winter season is also particularly difficult on your water heater since the water coming into the water tank will be much colder and will therefore take more effort to heat up to the desired temperature. Many households will also see an increase in demand for hot water during the winter months when long, hot showers are far more desirable than in the middle of summer. This extra stress can result in issues with your hot water heater if it has not been properly maintained. That is why it is always a good idea to place a call to the plumber of your choice to have the hot water tank drained, all sediment removed, and any necessary repairs completed before the winter season arrives.

Reach out to a plumber to learn more.