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The Essential Guide to Winter Plumbing Prep: Keep Your Home Cozy and Dry!
As temperatures dip, winter brings its own set of plumbing challenges. From frozen pipes to potential leaks, the cold season can be hard on your home’s plumbing if you’re not prepared. But don’t worry—All Needz Plumbing has you covered with some essential winter maintenance tips! Following these steps will help keep your home’s plumbing in top shape all season long.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas (like basements, attics, or crawl spaces) are particularly vulnerable to freezing. By insulating them, you reduce the risk of a burst pipe and the resulting water damage.
Pro Tip: Foam pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install. Wrap it around exposed pipes, and don’t forget those outside hose bibs!
2. Drip, Drip, Drip—Let Your Faucets Flow
On especially cold nights, let a trickle of water run from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze, which can save you from a dreaded wintertime pipe burst.
Quick Tip: Both hot and cold faucets should be turned on slightly to keep your pipes safe from freezing.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets can trap water inside, leading to freezing and cracking. Disconnect, drain, and store them away until spring.
Did You Know? Outdoor faucet covers are another smart investment—they add an extra layer of protection to keep your outdoor plumbing safe from freezing temperatures.
4. Check Your Water Heater
A warm shower is a must in winter, so make sure your water heater is up to the task! Sediment buildup can make it work harder, reducing its efficiency. Flushing the water heater can help ensure it runs smoothly, providing consistent hot water when you need it most.
Pro Tip: Set your water heater to 120°F for optimal performance and to save on energy costs!
5. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
If the worst happens and a pipe bursts, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is could save you from major water damage. Test it now to make sure it’s in good working condition, and let everyone in the household know where it’s located.
Bonus Tip: If you’re leaving home for an extended period, consider shutting off the water entirely to prevent any surprises when you return.
6. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Winter plumbing issues often arise from small problems that are easy to miss without a trained eye. All Needz Plumbing offers seasonal inspections to catch potential issues before they become big (and costly) problems. From checking pipe insulation to inspecting your water heater, a professional tune-up is worth it for peace of mind!
Need a hand with winterizing your plumbing? Contact All Needz Plumbing today to schedule your winter inspection. Our team is here to make sure your home stays cozy, dry, and worry-free all season long!
Taking a few preventative steps now can help you avoid mid-winter plumbing headaches and keep your home warm and safe. For more seasonal plumbing tips, be sure to follow All Needz Plumbing on social media, where we’re always sharing advice to keep your home running smoothly. Happy winterizing!
