Homeowners who want to protect their houses from the damage that freezing temperatures can cause must winterize their pipes. When water freezes in pipes, it expands and can break or crack plumbing, causing water damage that can be expensive to fix. Winterizing plumbing components helps homeowners make sure pipes, outdoor fixtures, and other sensitive areas are safe and functional throughout winter.
Preparing Interior Pipes and Fixtures
Winterizing interior pipes is crucial, especially for pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. To protect these pipes, homeowners can apply pipe insulation. In icy areas, heat tape or heating cables can be applied to pipes for additional warmth.
Faucets and plumbing fixtures inside the home may also require winterizing, especially near exterior walls where cold drafts can affect them. During colder months, keeping a small trickle of water running from faucets helps prevent freezing by maintaining a steady water flow. Additionally, leaving cabinet doors open under sinks lets warm air flow around pipes, which can keep cold air from settling in these spots.
Protecting Outdoor Plumbing Components
During the winter, outdoor pipe parts are especially at risk because they are directly exposed to freezing temperatures. Before it gets cold, garden hoses should be removed, drained, and put away inside. Leaving hoses connected can trap water in outdoor faucets and lead to freezing, which can cause extensive damage to the faucet or connected plumbing inside the home. To avoid this, homeowners should drain and shut off all outdoor water spigots.
Many homes have a shut-off valve specifically for outdoor plumbing lines, which allows homeowners to turn off the water flow to outdoor faucets while leaving indoor water functional. Once the outdoor water line is shut off, any remaining water in the faucet should be allowed to drain completely.
Sprinkler systems also require attention when winterizing outdoor plumbing. Most sprinkler systems have a drainage system or blow-out option, which removes excess water from the pipes and sprinkler heads. If water remains in the lines, it can freeze and damage the entire system, leading to costly repairs come springtime. For sprinkler systems without a drainage mechanism, a professional plumber can use compressed air to blow out the lines.
Draining and Shutting Off Water
For vacation homes or unoccupied homes during the winter, draining the entire plumbing system is one of the most effective ways to prevent damage. This process involves shutting off the main water supply and opening all faucets to allow water to drain from pipes. Draining the plumbing system eliminates the risk of freezing, as there’s no standing water to freeze within the pipes. Toilets, water heaters, and other water-holding fixtures should be drained.
Water heaters require particular attention because they contain large volumes of water that can freeze in cold temperatures. Draining the water heater involves turning off the gas or electricity supply, connecting a hose to the drain valve, and emptying the tank. For properties in icy regions, it’s wise to use RV antifreeze in toilets, plumbing traps, and drains. Unlike car antifreeze, RV antifreeze is safe for plumbing systems and can be poured directly into drains to prevent any remaining water from freezing.
Insulating Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
Insulating pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas is straightforward and effective. Uninsulated pipes located in basements, garages, and attics are especially prone to freezing. Insulation materials for pipes come in various forms, such as foam tubes or fiberglass wraps, which can be easily applied to exposed pipes. These materials keep cold air from reaching the pipe directly, providing a barrier that helps retain heat and protect against freezing temperatures. Homeowners can also insulate exterior walls in these areas to further improve protection.
Heat tape or heat cables can be an additional measure for extreme temperatures. Heat tape wraps around the pipe and uses electricity to provide a constant source of warmth, making it highly effective in preventing freezing. Heat cables function similarly but are typically installed along the length of the pipe and can be programmed to activate at specific temperatures. Ideal for pipes that are highly exposed or located in icy environments, heat tape and cable are excellent options in spaces where insulation alone may not be enough.
Keeping Your Temperature Consistent Inside
Maintaining a steady indoor temperature throughout the winter is an essential part of preventing frozen pipes. Setting the thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when away from home, ensures that indoor plumbing stays above freezing. Rapid temperature drops can stress pipes, so for added assurance, homeowners may consider installing a smart thermostat, which allows remote control of home temperatures. These devices can be set to maintain a minimum temperature automatically. Homeowners can monitor and adjust settings as needed, even from a distance.
If the home will be vacant for an extended period, scheduling regular check-ins with a neighbor or property management service can be helpful. Checking for any signs of freezing or leaks during cold spells helps catch problems early. Many smart home systems offer leak detection sensors that notify homeowners of potential water issues, giving added peace of mind.
Prepare Your Sump Pump
Homes with basements or crawl spaces often have sump pumps to prevent flooding by removing excess water. Sump pumps exposed to freezing temperatures can seize up, potentially causing basement flooding. This can also lead to a need for sump pump repair or replacement as parts are damaged due to freezing and thawing. Check the discharge line, which should be directed away from the home’s foundation and free of obstructions. The discharge line must slope downward since any standing water in the line can freeze and create a blockage, reducing the pump’s ability to discharge water. Testing the sump pump to ensure it’s working correctly can prevent unexpected issues as temperatures drop.
Professional Inspection
Finally, a professional inspection is one of the most reliable ways to ensure that your plumbing system is winter-ready. Licensed plumbers have the expertise to spot vulnerable areas in your system that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They can advise on best practices, check for any existing leaks, and confirm that shut-off valves, drains, and other essential components are in good working condition.
If you’re uncertain about draining certain fixtures or need assistance with more complex winterization tasks, professional help is invaluable. We offer winterization services that cover all aspects of preparing a plumbing system for cold weather, providing peace of mind.
Contact Us Today
Winterizing your plumbing is a necessary proactive step to protect your home from the costly damage freezing temperatures can cause. By insulating pipes, shutting off and draining outdoor fixtures, and checking for vulnerabilities in your plumbing system, you can help prevent burst pipes, leaks, and other winter-related issues. Whether it’s ensuring interior pipes are insulated, preparing outdoor water lines, or even wholly draining the system in an unoccupied home, these preventive steps are crucial to maintaining your plumbing through the cold months.
If you’re unsure about any part of the winterization process, consider reaching out to Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing for help. We also offer electrical services, including panel repairs and upgrades, generator installation, EV charger installation, outlet and switch repairs, and landscape lighting installation. Give our team a call today to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.
