Everything You Need To Know About Winterizing Your Plumbing System
Winters are infamous for their harshness and unpredictability. They could bring a slew of unpleasant conditions such as rain, below-freezing temperatures, and snow. It is crucial to ensure your house is winter-ready before the cold weather sets in. Damaged pipes and other expenses could result from falling temperatures in this season.
While preparing the plumbing system for the coming weather might be daunting, seeking professional services from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling could be a great help. But you also need to understand how the plumbing system works, and we have explained the process in the eight steps below.
1. Insulate the Pipes
The pipes in an unheated location, such as a basement, attic, or garage, could freeze during the cold season. Thus, one way to prepare and keep them secure is to insulate them further by placing a heat cable around them. Without heat cables, the insulation can block warm air from reaching the pipes because it is not meant to tolerate prolonged exposure to cold.
2. Service the HVAC Unit and Furnace
In South Charleston, WV, we might have a freezing cold snap. Your pipes can be damaged if your heater or furnace happens to break down during that time. Before the cold weather sets in for the season, contact experts like Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to check that your heating system is functioning correctly. The last thing you want is to be sitting in a flooded, cold house.
3. Open the Cabinet Doors
When the temperature drops for an extended period, you can keep the under-sink cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen open to keep the pipes warm. Closing a door prevents warm air inside your home from protecting the pipes.
4. Close the Outdoor Faucets
Allow standing water to drain from your outside faucets before turning off the water supply. The pipe will still freeze and fracture if you do not let the bleeder cap drain first.
5. Allow the Water to Drip
If you do not want to run into the risk of having frozen pipes, allow a small trickle of water to flow from each faucet and shower. Adjust the toilets so that they always run a little. This is especially important for guest bathrooms that might not get used as often. Your water bill may increase slightly, but that is cheaper than having to repair the pipes.
6. Clean the Gutters
We recommend cleaning the rain gutters properly after every season. You should also check to ensure that rain gutters are clear of debris before the first fall shower hits. Blocking your home’s drainage with a thick layer of leaves and other organic waste can lead to flooding and structural damage, especially when freezing happens over the winter.
7. Inspect the Exterior
After completing the steps above, you could stroll around your property to locate any apparent cracks that need fixing. Your main task will be finding any visible cracks because they might act as entry points for the cold air and cause freezing. Fill any gaps or holes around your pipes with caulking or spray foam.
8. Shut Off the Water if You Will be Away
Prevent the risk of returning home to a burst pipe over the winter by taking precautions before leaving for a trip or work. Specifically, you may need a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, which Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can integrate with your system. The device will allow you to adjust the temperature in your home and keep tabs on it from your mobile device.
Nevertheless, draining the pipes and turning off the water supply before you leave for an extended period are viable options for long-term travelers. Make sure you prevent severe and expensive damage from a pipe bursting when no one is home by taking the necessary precautions we recommend.
Get Professional Help
With the help of a specialized plumber, insulating your pipes against the freezing temperatures of winter will not take you a lot of effort or time. It is always advisable to bring in experts to provide a hand to ensure the perfect execution of the work.
Sometimes your pipes could freeze no matter how much effort you make to perform all the necessary precautions. Please contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling immediately if you have any plumbing issues this season. We provide all plumbing, heating and cooling services. Our professional technicians always put the customer first. Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today!
