Get Ready for Winter: How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather
Winter is quickly approaching. And according to the forecast, Abbotsford will have temperatures that are even colder than usual. You’re probably already preparing your home to keep your family warm during these colder months. But what are you doing to protect your plumbing?
Since water expands when it freezes, your plumbing is vulnerable to ice that can form in your pipes. That ice could cause one or more of the pipes to crack, leading to a potential disaster that would be messy and expensive to repair.
But don’t worry, we have a few simple tips to help you avoid a plumbing crisis this winter.
1. Repair leaky pipes
If you have leaky pipes, the best time to repair them is now. When it’s cold and the pipes are beginning to freeze, it will already be too late. Check your home’s pipes for any leaks as soon as possible. If you notice anything unusual, don’t try to repair the pipes yourself. Give us a call right away for a professional repair.
2. Insulate your pipes
Your pipes want to stay warm. Try protecting them by wrapping them with a thick layer of insulation. This is especially useful for pipes located in an unheated area of your home, such as an attic, garage or crawl space. Use heat tape to wrap the pipes, then add an additional layer of protection with an insulating tube that’s made of fiberglass or polyethylene. You can find these affordable products at your local hardware store.
3. Let faucets drip on very cold nights
When temperatures fall below freezing, your pipes are especially vulnerable. To prevent pressure from building up inside the pipes when the water begins to freeze, allow your faucet to drip overnight. Even a slow trickle is enough to act as a relief valve for that pressure, and your pipes won’t crack.
4. Inspect your home’s exterior
Take a careful look around the outside of your property. Do you see any cracks in the walls? Make sure they’re sealed with caulking or spray foam, which will prevent cold air from getting inside and causing your pipes to freeze. Also, detach all water-filled hoses from their faucets, drain them and store them somewhere safe. If a hose remains connected to a faucet through winter, the water will freeze and ice could back up into the pipe inside your home, causing it to crack.
5. Check on your hot water heater
Your hot water heater is important all year, but it becomes even more important when it’s cold outside. To guarantee its optimal performance this winter, we recommend having it serviced by a professional as soon as possible. Your plumber will make any necessary repairs or replacements before a problem or malfunction occurs.
If you want to make sure your plumbing is prepared for cold weather, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure your pipes are working properly, even through the toughest winter months.
