In winter, safeguarding your home’s plumbing is necessary to prevent damage and maintain uninterrupted functionality. Cold temperatures threaten water lines because water can freeze, and the pipes may burst. Here are a few ways to protect your plumbing from winter weather, combining practical tips and expert insights to keep the water flowing throughout the colder months.
Protect Your Plumbing This Winter
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Begin by insulating exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Insulation sleeves provide a protective barrier, preventing the lines from freezing in the bitter cold.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Address gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation and exterior walls. A well-sealed home is more energy efficient and warmer, reducing the risk of exposed pipes freezing.
3. Let Faucets Drip to Protect Your Plumbing This Winter
Allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slowly on exceptionally cold nights. A continuous flow of water relieves pressure within the lines, reducing the likelihood of a pipe bursting.
4. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Maintain a consistent temperature within your home, even when you’re away. While lowering the thermostat saves on energy costs, keeping your home warm is essential to prevent freezing pipes.
5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Before cold weather arrives, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If left attached during winter, water from the garden hose can cause water to back up into the pipes and freeze, leading to damaged plumbing.
6. Use Heating Cables to Protect Your Plumbing
For extra protection in frigid climates, invest in pipe heating tape. These wraps fit around plumbing lines, providing a gentle heat source to prevent freezing and keep water flowing.
7. Open the Cabinet Doors
Allow temperature-controlled air to circulate around pipes under sinks by keeping cabinet doors open during cold weather. This simple practice keeps the plumbing warmer and helps prevent damage and flooding.
8. Know the Location of the Shut-Off Valve
Familiarize yourself with the location of the water shut-off valve. In case of extreme cold or if you plan to be away, shutting off the water supply to your home prevents flooding and water-related disasters.
With these proactive measures, homeowners can fortify their plumbing against harsh winter temperatures, ensuring a smoothly functioning water system. When the weather is cold, these tips will help create a winter-ready home by maintaining the plumbing.
Blackbird Home Inspections provides professional inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Central Arkansas. Contact us to schedule our services.