9 Tips to Keep Your Pipes Perfect this Winter

Winter Plumbing Tips: How to Protect Your Home’s Plumbing During the Cold Months

Winter brings cozy fires, warm blankets, and festive holidays—but it also brings cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. If you live in a climate that experiences freezing weather, taking care of your pipes and plumbing during the winter months is essential to avoid costly repairs and inconvenient disruptions. In this blog, we'll explore practical tips to ensure your home’s plumbing system stays safe and efficient all winter long.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your plumbing during the winter is to insulate any exposed pipes. These are typically found in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and exterior walls. Pipes that are exposed to freezing air are vulnerable to cracking or bursting.

How to Insulate Pipes:

- Use foam pipe insulation or pipe sleeves, which are inexpensive and easy to install.

- Wrap vulnerable pipes with heat tape or heat cables that can keep them warm during extreme temperatures.

- For extra protection, use an insulating material like fiberglass or rubber around your pipes.

2. Keep Your Home Warm

Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home is one of the most effective ways to keep your pipes from freezing. Even if you’re away for the holidays, make sure your thermostat is set to at least 55°F (13°C). Lower temperatures could cause your pipes to freeze, especially in poorly insulated areas.

Tip: If you plan to be gone for an extended period, have someone check on your home or leave a space heater running in particularly cold spots like basements or attics.

3. Let Faucets Drip

During extremely cold weather, letting a faucet drip slightly can help prevent pipes from freezing. The movement of water through the pipes reduces the pressure inside, making it harder for the pipes to freeze. Focus on faucets that are located on exterior walls or in areas prone to freezing.

Pro Tip: Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially those on exterior walls. This will allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes, helping to prevent freezing.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can sneak into your home through even the smallest gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and vents. These cold drafts can lower the temperature in your home and increase the risk of freezing pipes. Inspect your home for drafts, and seal any openings with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam.

Where to Check for Drafts:

- Around window frames

- Around exterior doors

- Vents and exhaust fans

- Where pipes enter or exit the house (e.g., dryer vents, water supply lines)

5. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Before winter hits, take the time to shut off water valves that supply outdoor faucets and drain any water left in hoses or pipes. If water remains in these pipes, it can freeze and expand, potentially leading to burst pipes or damage to your irrigation system.

Steps to Winterize Outdoor Faucets:

- Locate the shut-off valve inside your home, usually in the basement or crawl space, and turn it off.

- Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.

- Consider using an insulated faucet cover for added protection against freezing.

6. Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater works overtime in the winter to ensure you have hot water, so it’s important to keep it in top shape. Check the temperature setting on your water heater—120°F (49°C) is typically ideal for most households. Setting it higher can lead to wasted energy and increase your heating bills.

Additional Maintenance Tips:

- Flush the tank to remove any sediment buildup.

- Check for any leaks or signs of rust.

- If your water heater is older than 10 years, consider having it inspected or replaced before the winter rush.

7. Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a serious issue and can lead to costly water damage if not caught early. Here are a few signs to look out for:

- No water coming from your faucets (even though the water supply is turned on).

- Frost or bulging on the pipes (a sure sign they are frozen).

- Unusual odors or sounds coming from the pipes.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, don’t wait for it to burst. Thaw the pipe slowly using a hair dryer or space heater, or contact a plumber for professional assistance.

8. Keep Your Plumbing System Well-Maintained

Regular plumbing maintenance is key to ensuring your system works well through the winter. Even before the cold weather sets in, schedule a professional inspection to check for potential issues like leaks, clogs, or weak spots in your plumbing system.

A licensed plumber can also recommend pipe upgrades (like replacing old galvanized pipes with more durable materials) to minimize your chances of winter-related plumbing problems.

9. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the best precautions, things can go wrong. Having an emergency plan in place will help you deal with plumbing issues quickly and minimize damage. Here are some steps to take:

- Know how to shut off your water supply in case of an emergency (usually located near your water meter or in your basement).

- Keep the contact information of a reliable plumber on hand.

- Consider purchasing a portable space heater or pipe-thawing kit if you live in an area prone to extreme cold.

Conclusion

Winter plumbing problems can be a major inconvenience, but with a little preparation and foresight, you can protect your pipes and ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly all season long. By insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and maintaining your plumbing, you’ll not only avoid costly repairs, but also keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Stay ahead of the cold, and take these simple steps to safeguard your plumbing from winter’s chill!