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Top Tips To Save Your Plumbing During Cold Weather

Top Tips To Save Your Plumbing During Cold Weather

Your plumbing system never gets any time off. In fact, households use plumbing even more during the colder months of the year. This is also the time of the year when plumbing professionals get more calls. The fall and winter holidays put extra strain on pipes, faucets, and drains. There are some things you can do to save your plumbing during cold weather. We offer some tips below on how to save your plumbing from trouble this winter.

Turn the Outside Water Valve Off

A pipe rupture costs about $15,000, according to an estimate by State Farm Insurance. This is the type of damage you can avoid by turning off the water valve for your outside faucets or spigots. The main shutoff valve is in the basement or garage by an outside wall.

Wrap Uninsulated Pipes

Another common plumbing problem in winter is damage to uninsulated pipes. Look for any pipes along outside walls that aren't insulated. Wrap them up with foam or towels to reduce the risk of freezing.

Let Faucets Drip When It's Really Cold

On winter days when it's freezing or below freezing, let the faucets drip. This helps prevent your pipes freezing. Do this before you go to bed. This is especially important if you know it will likely get below freezing overnight. If you're worried about it increasing your water bill, don't be. At most, it will only raise your bill by a few cents.

Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is

If you do have a sudden plumbing emergency when it's colder, know where your home's main water valve is. This is the one that shuts off water to your entire home in the event of a burst pipe or similar emergency. Knowing where this is ahead of time can prevent serious flooding or home damage. If you don't know where it is or what it looks like, call us and we can show you where it is.

Have Your Water Heater Checked

When the weather gets colder, people often spend more time indoors. This means there is more demand for hot water. Throw in holiday visitors and it's easy to see how water heaters can become strained. Cut the risk of plumbing problems by having a plumber check your water heater. Also with your water heater, we recommend:

  • Having it flushed to reduce corrosion
  • Keeping the temperature at 125 degrees or lower
  • Checking for leaks around the tank or connecting parts

Clean Your Gutters and Outside Drains

Leaves and other debris can affect your outside drainage as the days and months get colder. Some of the more common issues with your outside drains come from pooled water an ice patches. Avoid exterior drain clogs and issues by clearing outside drains. This list includes gutters and downspouts and any storm drains on your property. Remove leaves and sticks that could block water. also, make sure the water doing down spouts can drain far away from your home. This helps to prevent issues with your home's foundation.

Be Careful with How You Use Your Drains

Drains on the inside of your home also need to be clear and clean as the weather gets colder. During the fall and winter holidays, place wastebaskets by kitchen and bathroom drains. This encourages guests to throw away things not meant to go down drains. Also, avoid pouring grease down your kitchen drains when cooking. This prevents clogs in your pipes.

Call Us Today

A plumbing professional from Harwich Port Heating and Cooling is a call away. When your plumbing needs some attention, we're here to help. We can prepare your plumbing for cold weather with a routine inspection. We've got you covered if there are plumbing issues on your to-do list that need taken care of. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a plumbing professional.