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Your home’s plumbing system works hard to supply your family with water and channel wastewater away from your home. During winter, however, it faces several potential threats. Fortunately, you can identify these threats and take certain measures to winterize your plumbing system. The following tips can help you keep your plumbing system in excellent shape this winter.
Insulate Your Pipes
If your pipes are exposed to frigid temperatures, they are at risk of freezing. Freezing can stop the flow of water through your pipes or cause them to crack and burst open. To avoid considerable plumbing issues such as water damage or mold growth, you should insulate your pipes with protective foam. This is an economical choice that can be done in a single day. In newer homes, contractors typically insulate the pipes for you but in older homes, you may have to insulate them yourself.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
When winterizing your home’s plumbing system, you must also pay attention to the exterior of your house. Disconnecting your garden hoses can reduce the likelihood of your pipes freezing during cold weather. This can be done when the seasons change and you no longer need to water your plants or lawn. It is important to disconnect them from their spigots completely, and then shake them to get rid of excess water. Once you do this, you can store them in your garage or shed. If you forget to disconnect your hoses in winter, they can freeze and crack and you will need to replace them when spring arrives.
When disconnecting your exterior hoses, you will also need to pay attention to your spigots, especially if they do not have frost-free properties. To prevent the water from inside the outdoor faucets from freezing, you can drain the water by closing the interior valve of the water line to the spigot. You should then turn on the outdoor spigot to remove the water from its interior valve. A plumber can help you do this if you find it too complex.
You can also install an insulated cover over your exterior spigots. These covers are available in most home improvement stores. Covering your exterior spigots is only recommended if freezing temperatures are intermittent. If a freeze is bitterly cold and persistent, a cover alone might not be enough.
Check Your Drains for Clogs
Are your home’s drains free of debris or anything else that can clog them? Plumbers get more calls to clear clogged drains during the fall than at any other time of the year. If you notice only one of your sinks or drain lines is clogged, a plumber can probably fix the problem quite easily and quickly. If more than one drain line or sink is clogged or slow, you may have a partially or fully clogged sewer line. Only a professional plumber can help with this. They can use specialized tools to inspect your home’s sewer line so they know exactly what the problem is. Once the problem is detected, they can help you choose the right solution.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance
Many homeowners overlook their water heater when winterizing their plumbing system. This can be a mistake, especially since your water heater is one of your most heavily used plumbing appliances. Scheduling routine maintenance for your water heater is the most effective way to prevent problems and prolong the life of your tankless or traditional water heater. Before winter arrives, however, you will also want to drain your traditional water heater’s tank of any sediment. You will also want your tank inspected by a professional for any problems.
An improperly functioning pop-off valve can potentially cause your tank to explode, causing extensive structural and water damage to your home. If you notice your water heater is making strange noises or struggling to heat water, it may be time to contact a plumber. Fall is the best time to ensure your water heater is prepared for winter’s demands.
Pay Attention to Your Sump Pump
If your home is constructed on a slab, it will not have a sump pump. Not all homes with basements have sump pumps, but if your home has a basement and the water level is above the basement level, a sump pump is required to pump any excess water away from your home and keep your basement from flooding. Since the sump pump is located in the basement, it will usually not freeze. However, the discharge line, which is responsible for carrying water away from your home, must be insulated. The discharge pipe termination point should be kept clear of obstructions and ice. Any blockage will cause water to back up and flood your home.
Find Your Home’s Water Shutoff Valve
Before the winter starts, you should familiarize yourself with the location of your water shutoff valve. You may need to utilize this valve if your home suffers a broken pipe or connection. Some homes have a shutoff valve in the basement or garage. Homes constructed on slabs often have a shutoff valve underground outside (this is usually covered by a plastic or metal cover). If you have not used your shutoff valve in a long time or had it serviced recently, you should contact a plumbing professional to do it now. A valve can develop plaque buildup that makes it impossible to turn, and if you use too much force, you can break it.
Check for Air Leaks
Drafts can let cold air into your home. This cold air can cause your pipes to freeze and burst, causing significant structural damage to your residence. Although it can be difficult to identify air leaks, there are some signs to look for. If your home has brick siding, you should check for significant grouting cracks and missing bricks. Another place to inspect is the area near the hose bibs outside. Examine the hole where the hose bib enters to ensure it is fully insulated.
The easiest way to insulate your hose bib is to attach an insulated bib cover to each outdoor fixture. These covers usually feature a dome shape and fit snugly over exterior faucets. Their thick construction keeps out the cold air. When winterizing your plumbing system, you will also want to check your attic and crawl space for signs of an air leak.
Common Signs of Frozen Pipes
If your pipes freeze during the winter, you may experience a host of problems. Some of the most common signs of frozen pipes include the following.
Frost on Pipes
If your home’s pipes are exposed, check them for frost. If you notice frost on your pipes, they are probably frozen. Condensation can also signal the potential for freezing since the water in and on the pipes can quickly freeze on a cold day.
No Water Flow
If you notice water is not flowing through your home’s pipes, they are probably frozen. If no water comes out of your faucets on a freezing day, you must contact a professional to handle the job.
Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, such as clanking or banging, it could be a sign of freezing. When water freezes, it usually expands and puts pressure on the pipes. This causes them to make strange noises.
Low Water Pressure
If there is a significant decrease in water pressure, it could be a sign your pipes are frozen. This is especially true if low water pressure is only impacting certain fixtures or faucets.
Schedule Service
MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric offers premier HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to Kansas City, MO and the surrounding area. We are confident we can help you winterize your home’s plumbing system before temperatures drop. Our plumbing services are fast, affordable, and reliable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your pipes.
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