Winter is a particularly dangerous season, especially when it comes to plumbing fixtures in the home. We all know that when the temperature drops, the water freezes. This frozen water can be a nuisance for homeowners as it can lead to significant damage to the plumbing fixtures in your home. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can prepare your home for the winter and avoid any potential issues with the plumbing fixtures in your home.
Insulate the Pipes
Water in the pipes can freeze once the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, pipes become more prone to bursting. If any pipes are installed in areas which are not heated by a heating system, then you need to insulate your pipes. Normally the attic, garage, or any other crawl space is not heated by a heating system. In that case, you need to externally insulate the pipes. An additional layer of protection wrapped around the pipe can protect pipes during winter.
Various types of pipe insulation are available in home centers at a reasonable price. Pipe insulation made up of fiberglass or polyethylene material is ideal for insulating pipes in winters. You can also use heat-tape before using the insulation. This further reduces the risk of damage to your pipes.
Insulating the pipes is often considered a DIY task. However, you should get it done by a professional plumber. A trained expert will not only provide foolproof insulation but will also check for any other damage to your plumbing fixture due to the changing season.
Disconnect the Hose
If you leave your water filled garden hose outdoor, it will definitely freeze in the cold weather. This ice can back up in to the pipes in your home resulting in cracks in the pipes. Therefore it is important that all hoses should be disconnected and stored properly as soon as the winter season begins.
You can do this by simply draining all the water and then shut off the sprinkler system. If you have any issues in completely draining the water, it is a good idea to contact a professional plumber. They have the right skills and experience to completely blow out any remaining water in the system.
Seal All Crawl Spaces
A Crawl space is a hollow area beneath the floor or in some cases in between the floors. A crawl space is usually between 1 and 3 feet high. Apart from elevating your home above the ground, it provides room for air conditioning and heater ducts, insulation, plumbing fixtures and electrical wiring.
During winter, it is a good idea to seal crawl spaces in your home. This is because they are normally not heated and extreme winter can damage the installations in the crawl space. You can seal all the crawl spaces in your home using a heavy duty cardboard. This is not a very technical job and you can do it on your own but ideally, you should seek services of a professional. They know the right techniques to fully insulate all the crawl spaces. They will also ensure that there are no cracks or spacing left in the crawl spaces.
Shut Down Water Supply Before You Leave for a Vacation
If you are planning a vacation during the winter season, you should shut down the water supply in your home. The water shut off valve is usually located in the basement of your home. You can simply close it by turning it clockwise.
Once you close the water supply, also make sure you drain all the water in your pipes. This will help prevent any cracks in your pipes which can occur due to freezing water in the pipes. Frozen water in the pipes can result in leakage and burst pipe which can be terrible situation to deal with once you return from the vacation.
Remember to Flush the Toilets
Water not only freezes in the pipes but it can also freeze in the bowls and tanks of a toilet. This can eventually cause the toilets to crack. A good idea is to flush all your toilets in the home leaving minimal water in the tanks and bowls. You can start by flushing all the toilets in your home starting from the toilets on the top floor. Then continue flushing down the toilets all the way to the basement. Make sure all the water drains out of the tank. You can ensure that by removing the cover of the tank and hold the lever till all the water goes down the drain.
Use Antifreeze
Once the water is drained, you can add antifreeze to the toilets. You can easily find a good quality antifreeze from home centers or you can use the one recommended by your plumber. You can also add antifreeze in all other drains in your home including sink and bathtub drains. This will prevent freezing of any remains of water in your pipes.
Your Solution
It is important to plan ahead when the winter season is approaching. A proactive approach can help prevent your home and plumbing fixtures from significant damage due to seasonal change. If you are planning to prepare your home for winter, call professionals from Mesa Plumbing Company. We offer solutions to all you plumbing problems which can arise due to changing season. With an experience of 40 years and a team of qualified and experienced plumbers, we can provide all sort of residential and commercial plumbing support. From drain cleaning to gas line repair and to preparing your home for winter, our professional staff is available 24/7 to help identify and solve all your plumbing problems. To know more about our services, visit our website or call now at 480-832-1660.