Winter can be particularly harsh on your plumbing system. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes, leaks, and other plumbing issues increases. Preparing your home for cold weather is not only a matter of comfort but can also save you from costly repairs down the road. In this blog, we’ll go over some essential plumbing tips from professional plumbing contractors Petaluma CA to keep your home’s water system running smoothly during winter.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most important steps you can take to winterize your plumbing is to insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in unheated areas such as attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces are especially prone to freezing. You can wrap these pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm enough to prevent freezing.
Why It’s Important:
Frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive water damage and requiring emergency plumbing services to fix. Insulating pipes ensures they maintain a temperature above freezing even when the weather outside is frigid.
2. Seal Drafts and Leaks Around Pipes
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps around doors, windows, and areas where pipes enter or exit your home. These drafts can cause nearby pipes to freeze. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these gaps and prevent cold air from infiltrating your home.
Tip:
Check the areas around pipes and vents, particularly in basements and attics, for any signs of air leaks. A little bit of sealing now can save you from a big headache later.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses left connected during winter can cause a buildup of pressure inside the pipes connected to them, which can lead to bursts or leaks. While not a part of your home’s interior, keeping your outdoor hoses protected is a plumbing problem new homeowners should know. Be sure to disconnect, drain, and store hoses indoors before the cold weather hits. Additionally, shut off and drain any outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems.
4. Keep a Drip Running
During extremely cold temperatures, keep a small drip of water running from your faucets. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so allowing faucets to drip can help prevent freezing in the pipes. Focus on faucets that are fed by exposed pipes or pipes running along exterior walls.
Why This Works:
Even a small trickle of water through the pipe helps relieve pressure and reduces the chances of the pipe freezing or bursting.
5. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
When temperatures drop, it’s tempting to lower your thermostat to save on heating costs. However, sudden temperature changes inside your home can put your plumbing at risk. Keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even if you’re away for a few days. Ideally, it should not go below 55°F (12.8°C). If you’re planning to install heat pump water heaters, this consistent temperature can also help that appliance work more effectively.
Tip:
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly on exterior walls.
Keep Your Pipes Safe this Winter – Yorkshire Plumbing
Winter is coming, and your plumbing needs to be ready. Contact Yorkshire Plumbing today for all your winter plumbing needs. From pipe insulation to emergency repairs, our experienced plumbing contractors in Petaluma CA and beyond are here to help you avoid costly damage and keep your home warm and safe all season long. Contact Yorkshire Plumbing today or give us a call at (707) 492-9656.
