Tips on How to Prepare Your Plumbing This Winter

Hopefully you’ve gotten your fill of fun in the Sun over the Spring and Summer because the cold weather is here and won’t be going anywhere for a while. We know you’re probably looking forward to the holidays and hitting the slopes but before you have any of this fun it’s important to make sure your home is prepared for the colder temperatures. Do you know how to fix a leaking pipe? Or how to fix frozen pipes? If not, you could be in for some damages and costly repairs that will spoil the Winter fun. In addition to checking to make sure your heating system is running smoothly you should also pay some attention to your pipes. You’re likely familiar with the idea of letting hot water drip or trickle from your facets to prevent the pipes from freezing over during the Winter but there are many other things you can do before the season to prepare your plumbing for the colder weather.

1. Insulate your pipes

If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing – typically outdoor hose bibs, water sprinkler lines, swimming pool lines, and other pipes that are either exposed to the air or not very far below ground – then insulating them to protect them from the cold is an essential part of prep. You should also think about insulating the pipes in your home that are beneath sinks and in exterior walls. While you can do this process yourself with foam and duct tape it’s best to let professionals like those at Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling handle it to ensure everything is done right and nothing is missed.

2. Look for bulging sections in outdoor pipes

In addition to insulating outdoor pipes, you’ll want to look for bulging. Bulges are likely points where water has frozen and pushed up against the pipe in the past, and you’re lucky they haven’t burst in the past! They probably will burst this year though, so if you spot a bulge give us a call immediately for frozen pipe repair.

3. Check up on your water heater

The freezing cold Winter weather means more long, hot showers and baths that will be putting a strain on your water heater. So, it’s best to check up on it now and take care of any preventative maintenance rather than having to live without hot water for a few weeks. Check for the common signs of an issue like rust and leaks and immediately address any problem you notice. If your heater is over eight years old then you’ll want a Blue Mountain professional to come take a look at it.

4. Fix those leaky faucets

A leaky faucet is one of those things we say we’ll get to when we have time but often never do but considering Winter is fast approaching now is an ideal time for faucet repair. These leaky faucets are not only costing you money, but they could be the result of a fault in your plumbing system that will be made worse by the chilly weather.

5. Drain all outdoor plumbing and faucets

Since you won’t be needing your sprinkler system during the Winter you’ll obviously be turning it off but you’ll also want to drain it of all water immediately. Water left in outdoor plumbing or faucets can freeze in the colder temperatures and cause pipes to burst, leading to flooding issues in your home.

If you’re in need of more plumbing tips on how to prepare your plumbing for Winter or have encountered any problems that need fixing, reach out to Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling! We’ve got the experience and expertise needed to ensure your plumbing needs in the colder months are met. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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