Tag Archives: winter plumbing tips

Nov '23

Winter Plumbing Preparations: Your Complete Checklist for a Stress-Free Season

Winter is just around the corner, and your mind may be on planning all the fun activities for your holiday season. But while you focus on fun and family, do not forget to spare a thought for your home’s plumbing. Winter is when some of the worst plumbing disasters happen in homes; pipes readily freeze and burst at this time of the year.

Furthermore, Yellow Key Property Management warns it costs more money to fix plumbing emergencies in winter than in other seasons. But you can avoid these winter plumbing problems if you know how to protect your water pipes from the cold. Here are twelve steps to take if you want your plumbing to pass through winter without any unfortunate incidents.

Clear your drains

To avoid complications during winter, it is critical to clear your drains before winter sets in fully. The last week before winter fall is the best time to get rid of all the debris that has accumulated inside the drainpipes throughout summer and fall. A clogged drain is much harder to deal with in winter.

Fix any leaks in your plumbing

Leaking pipes in your plumbing is a problem at any time of the year, but in winter, they pose an even greater danger. That is because leaks are often indicative of weak spots in the pipeline. Leaks can easily result in ruptures if the water inside the pipes freezes.

Take steps to prevent drain clogs

A dirty dishwasher filter can cause drain clogs; clean the filter in your dishwasher. You also want to be extra careful about the things you put inside the garbage disposal. Fibrous and starchy foods, as well as grease in your drains, can cause major problems in winter.

Maintain your sump pump

The chances that a flood will happen in your home during winter are slim. However, with the onset of spring, melting snow can easily flood the basement. That is why you want to be sure that, going into winter, your basement sump pump is in good condition.

Insulate your pipes

The cost of insulating your water pipes is low compared to the cost of fixing a burst pipe, and the damage that burst pipe will do to your home. There are many ways to insulate the exposed water pipes in your home to protect them from the cold of winter.

Check your water heater

To avoid unpleasant surprises, check your water heater before winter. Flush the unit to remove sediment, stop corrosion, and improve efficiency. If you haven’t already done it this year, this may be the right time to have an expert inspect, repair, or replace your water heater tank.

Shut off outdoor faucets

As soon as it starts to get cold, turn off outdoor faucets to keep them from freezing. Shut the faucets from the shutoff valve and open the tap to drain the water inside the pipe. Failing to do this last part, faucets may still freeze and crack, even if shut off.

Store hoses and sprinklers

If you do not protect them from the freezing temperatures, your hose and sprinkler may freeze and crack. To avoid this, after disconnecting the hose and sprinkler, drain all the water out of them before you store them.

Install frost-free sill cocks

Due to its long stem – 6 to 12 inches long – a frost-free sill cock can keep your water pipes from freezing. Because the stem washer and seat valve are inside your home, it keeps cold air from creeping up the pipe. Frost-free sill cocks are an almost failsafe way to prevent frozen pipes.

Turn off the water if it is unused

Water sources in your home that will not be in use during winter pose a threat to your plumbing if you don’t shut them off. That includes faucets in the garage or basement. Ensure the faucets are turned off from the shutoff valve and no water is left inside the pipe.

Leave cabinet doors open

To help the warm air inside your home circulate to colder areas – such as inside the cabinets –keep cabinet doors slightly open. Do this for bathrooms and kitchen cabinets. You can improve air circulation inside the house with a fan or portable heater.

Let faucets drip

Leaving faucets slightly open to allow a trickle of water can help to prevent frozen pipes. The minor but constant flow of water within the pipe ensures that water doesn’t freeze and turn into a burst pipe emergency. It is cheaper to waste water in this way than to repair a burst pipe.

Lastly, given that winter is the worst season for your home’s plumbing, there is no better time than just before the winter to schedule this inspection. Annual plumbing inspections help to maintain the health of your plumbing by letting you detect and deal with preventable issues.

Also, your home can vastly benefit from having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing to recommend the best ways to winterize the system.

Oct '23

Cold Snap Disasters: How to Safeguard Your Plumbing During Winter Season

As the winter season approaches, it brings along with it the beauty of snowfall and the joy of the holiday season. However, it also brings the risk of cold snap disasters, especially when it comes to your plumbing system. Freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipe emergencies, frozen fixtures, and costly water damage if not properly addressed.

Below we will explore the steps you can take as a homeowner to safeguard your plumbing during the winter season. We will discuss preventive measures, maintenance tips, and important actions to take in case of a cold snap disaster. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of plumbing issues and ensure a stress-free winter.

Understanding Cold Snap Disasters

Before we dive into the preventive measures, let’s understand what cold snap disasters entail. A cold snap refers to a sudden drop in temperature over a relatively short period. When temperatures plummet, the water inside your plumbing system can freeze, causing pipes to burst and fixtures to become non-functional.

When water freezes, it expands and exerts pressure on the pipes, leading to cracks or complete ruptures. As a result, when the ice thaws, the water leaks out of the damaged pipes, causing significant water damage to your property.

It is vital to note that not all pipes are equally susceptible to freezing. Outdoor pipes, exposed pipes in unheated areas, and pipes located in exterior walls are particularly vulnerable. However, even indoor pipes can freeze if the cold air enters your home through cracks or openings.

a man prepping for winter by sealing his windows.

Use weather-stripping or caulk to seal these gaps and prevent the chilly air from affecting your indoor plumbing.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is always better than cure, and this adage holds true when it comes to safeguarding your plumbing during the winter season. By taking the following preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering cold snap disasters:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Start by identifying any pipes that are exposed to the cold air and insulate them with pipe insulation. Pipe sleeves or heat tape can be used to provide extra protection. Focus on pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Insulating these pipes will help maintain a warmer temperature and prevent freezing.

2. Seal Cracks and Openings

Inspect your home for any cracks or openings that allow cold air to enter. Use weather-stripping or caulk to seal these gaps and prevent the chilly air from affecting your indoor plumbing. Pay close attention to areas near pipes, such as windows, doors, and vents.

3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Faucets

Prior to the onset of freezing temperatures, remember to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses completely. Leaving hoses attached can lead to water freezing inside the hose and causing damage to both the hose and the faucet it is connected to. Moreover, it is recommended to install freeze-proof faucets that automatically shut off the water supply when temperatures drop.

4. Allow Warm Air Circulation

Make sure warm air can circulate around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open, especially those located against exterior walls. This allows the warm air from your home to reach the pipes and helps prevent freezing.

5. Set Thermostat Temperature

Maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, particularly at night and when you are away. Lowering the thermostat temperature during these times increases the risk of freezing. It is recommended to keep the temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius).

6. Monitor Weather Forecasts

Stay informed about weather forecasts and pay attention to extremely low temperatures. By knowing when a cold snap is expected, you can take additional precautions to safeguard your plumbing. For instance, you may choose to let faucets drip during very cold nights to prevent the water from freezing.

Inspect your plumbing system for any leaks or drips.

Maintenance Tips

In addition to preventive measures, regular maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping your plumbing system in optimal condition during the winter season. By following these tips, you can ensure your plumbing is prepared to withstand the cold:

1. Drain and Insulate Outdoor Plumbing

Before winter sets in, remember to drain and disconnect any outdoor plumbing facilities such as sprinkler systems, fountains, and swimming pool supply lines. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining and winterizing these components. Insulating outdoor faucets using foam covers can also provide an extra layer of protection.

2. Check for Leaks

Inspect your plumbing system for any leaks or drips. Even minor leaks can lead to frozen pipes, so it’s essential to address them promptly. Repair any leaks or contact a professional plumber for assistance.

3. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Hiring a professional plumber for an annual inspection is highly recommended. They can identify any potential issues, ensure your plumbing system is in good condition, and provide necessary repairs or maintenance. An experienced plumber will have the expertise to address specific concerns related to cold weather.

4. Consider Installing Insulated Pipes

If you live in an area with extremely low temperatures, you might consider installing insulated pipes. Insulated pipes are designed to withstand colder temperatures and provide an extra layer of protection against freezing.

turn off your water supply before making repairs.

If a pipe bursts or you suspect a leak, locate your main water shut-off valve immediately and turn it off.

Actions During a Cold Snap Disaster

Despite taking preventive measures and conducting regular maintenance, unforeseen circumstances can still lead to a cold snap disaster. If you find yourself facing plumbing issues during freezing temperatures, follow these immediate actions:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

If a pipe bursts or you suspect a leak, locate your main water shut-off valve immediately and turn it off. This will stop the water flow and minimize potential water damage to your property. Familiarize yourself with the location of the shut-off valve in advance.

2. Open Faucets

After shutting off the water supply, open all the faucets in your home to relieve pressure and assist in the thawing process. As the ice begins to melt, water will start flowing, and this can help prevent further damage.

3. Call a Professional Plumber

Reach out to a plumber who specializes in emergency repairs to assess the situation and provide necessary repairs. They will have the expertise and equipment to handle frozen pipes, burst pipes, and other plumbing emergencies.

4. Document the Damage

Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Documenting the extent of the cold snap disaster and the resulting water damage will help expedite the insurance claims process and ensure proper compensation.

To Sum it Up

As winter approaches, it is essential to understand the risks associated with cold snap disasters and take appropriate measures to safeguard your plumbing. By implementing preventive measures, conducting regular maintenance, and knowing what to do during a plumbing emergency, you can protect your property from costly water damage and enjoy a worry-free winter season.

Remember, when it comes to plumbing and freezing temperatures, preparation is key. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed. By taking these steps, you can ensure the longevity and functionality of your plumbing system throughout the winter season.

Oct '23

Winter Plumbing Maintenance: How to Safeguard Your Drains from Freezing Temperatures

As winter approaches, it brings a set of challenges for homeowners. One of the primary concerns is the health and functionality of the plumbing system. Exposed drains and pipes are susceptible to freezing temperatures, leading to significant damage and costly repairs. Ensuring proper winter plumbing maintenance is not just a routine task but a critical preventive measure. This article aims to provide homeowners with comprehensive insights and actionable steps to protect their plumbing from the adverse effects of winter, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free season. Being prepared and knowledgeable about the potential threats and their solutions is essential.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Plumbing

Cold weather poses a considerable challenge to the integrity of our plumbing systems. The primary reason is that when water freezes, it expands, exerting significant pressure on the pipes it’s confined within. This expansion can lead to cracks, leaks, or, in severe cases, completely burst pipes. Such disruptions not only result in the inconvenience of lost water supply but can also culminate in expensive repair costs and potential water damage to the property. To avoid plumbing emergencies, homeowners must be aware of how the cold impacts their plumbing and take necessary precautions. Recognizing these threats early on can be the key difference between a smooth winter and a troublesome one.

Winter Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Safeguarding Your Drains

Insulation is Key

Insulation plays a crucial role in protecting pipes from the harsh winter temperatures. Pipes in unheated home areas, such as basements, garages, and attics, are particularly vulnerable to freezing. By wrapping these pipes with foam pipe insulation, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes. This insulation acts as a protective barrier, retaining the warmth of the water within and keeping the cold at bay. Additionally, insulation tapes can provide an extra layer of protection and are relatively easy to apply. Good-quality insulation prevents potential damage and ensures the plumbing system operates efficiently throughout the cold months.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Ensuring that your home is free from gaps and cracks is essential in plumbing maintenance during the winter months. These small openings allow cold air to infiltrate, directly exposing your plumbing to freezing. Especially in older homes, it’s not uncommon to find gaps in windows, walls, floors, and near the foundation. Taking the time to inspect these areas and using suitable materials like caulk or weather stripping to seal them can make a considerable difference. By effectively sealing these gaps and cracks, you’re safeguarding your plumbing and enhancing your home’s overall energy efficiency, leading to potential savings on heating costs during the cold season.

If your house has very old windows, an unskippable step of your winter plumbing maintenance is to seal them and prevent gaps that create drafts in your home.

Indoor Heating and Thermostat Tips

Effective management of indoor heating is a cornerstone of plumbing maintenance. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps ensure that pipes, especially those running through walls and less-insulated areas, remain above freezing points. It’s advisable to keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even during nighttime or when the home is unoccupied. Additionally, areas under sinks, often neglected, can benefit from the circulation of warm air. Opening cabinet doors under sinks during extreme cold spells allows the home’s heat to keep those pipes warm. By adhering to these heating and thermostat tips, homeowners can significantly bolster their defenses against the challenges winter presents to plumbing.

Garden Hose & Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor plumbing components, like garden hoses and outdoor faucets, are vulnerable when exposed to harsh winter elements. Before winter sets in with its full force, it’s wise to disconnect and drain garden hoses. Proper storage is also crucial, not only to avoid water freezing within them but also to maintain their longevity. In fact, in the experience of NYC Mini Storage, proper storage can greatly extend the life of many of your outdoor items, including hoses. Additionally, even outdoor faucets that you use rarely are still at risk. Using faucet covers can shield them from the cold, acting as a thermal barrier.

Outdoor faucet connected to a garden hose.

Make sure you disconnect and drain garden hoses before the cold winter weather comes.

Keep Water Flowing

A central tenet of winter plumbing maintenance is ensuring continuous water flow. When water remains stagnant in pipes during extreme cold, it’s more likely to freeze and cause issues. Allowing a faucet to drip slightly during particularly cold nights can prevent this. This gentle flow ensures that water doesn’t stagnate, minimizing the risk of freezing. Another essential consideration is the water heater. Make sure you have the right water heater that’s both efficient and in good working condition. As it works harder during winter to provide warm water, having a reliable system is crucial. Ensuring flow and adequate heating is paramount in thorough winter plumbing protection.

Advanced Precautions: Going Beyond the Basics

Install Heat Tape

Heat tape has emerged as an effective solution to combat the freezing of pipes during winter. It is an electrically heated tape designed specifically to be wrapped around vulnerable pipes, emitting heat and preventing water inside from freezing. Applying heat tape can be particularly beneficial for pipes located in unheated areas of a home or those most exposed to cold drafts. When selecting heat tape, choosing a product suited to your specific needs is important. Remember to always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines during installation. Furthermore, regularly checking its functionality throughout the winter can ensure it’s working optimally.

Upgrade to Frost-Free Faucets

Frost-free faucets have become a valuable addition to winter plumbing maintenance strategies. Unlike traditional faucets, these are specifically designed to resist the freezing effects of winter temperatures. They feature a unique design where the water shut-off mechanism is positioned deep within the insulated walls of the home, reducing the chances of water freezing within the faucet. This not only prevents potential damage but also reduces water wastage. For homeowners living in particularly cold regions or those simply wanting to bolster their winter plumbing defenses, upgrading to frost-free faucets offers an effective, long-term solution.

What to Do if Pipes Start to Freeze

Despite best efforts and precautions, there might be times when pipes start to freeze. It’s essential not to panic in such situations. Begin by shutting off the main water supply to prevent potential flooding. Gently thaw the affected areas using safe methods, like a hairdryer or heating pad, avoiding open flames or high-heat sources. Remember to thaw gradually; haste can cause further damage. If unsure about the situation, seeking professional help is always advisable. It’s essential to act quickly, as scheduling repairs in the winter can be more difficult due to increased demand and challenges posed by cold weather conditions. Being prepared for emergencies ensures a swift and effective response.

If something does go wrong with your plumbing system during the winter, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.

Concluding Thoughts

Winter plumbing maintenance is essential for homeowners, aiming to ensure that the cold months pass without unexpected disruptions or costly repairs. While winter’s chill may be unforgiving, our plumbing systems can efficiently brave the season with the right precautions and knowledge. From understanding how cold affects our pipes to investing in long-term solutions like frost-free faucets, the steps outlined here provide a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your home’s plumbing. Remember, preventive measures not only save money but also provide peace of mind. As winter approaches, let’s prioritize this aspect of plumbing maintenance, ensuring our homes remain warm, undisturbed sanctuaries throughout the season.