In this article…
- 7 Plumbing Don’ts To Avoid This Winter And Proper Dos
- 3 Steps To Take In Case Of A Plumbing Emergency
- Winterizing Your Home’s Plumbing Before It’s Too Late
Before winter arrives, you pull out your winter coats, stock up on firewood, and make sure your generators are prepared for any potential outages.
Once it’s finally here, you take extra precautions to protect your home and your family’s comfort in case of emergency, from snowstorms and blizzards to power outages and furnace problems.
Preparing your home’s plumbing for the season is no different. It’s crucial you not only take the precautionary steps to get your plumbing ready for the cold but also know what to do in case of a plumbing emergency in the midst of a storm.
Luckily, we’re here to help you equip your home for the winter from top to bottom.
At DEETS Mechanical, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Northwestern Pennsylvania repair and restore their home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical no matter the time of year.
However, we understand the harshness winter brings and the strain it puts on your home because we’re homeowners too.
Knowing how to prepare your plumbing for winter properly and what steps to take in case of an emergency is crucial to the health, comfort, and safety of your home and your family.
This article details some common plumbing mistakes to avoid well as things to do to maintain the health of your plumbing and keep things flowing all winter long.
7 Plumbing Don’ts To Avoid This Winter And Proper Dos
While understanding the proper things to do to get your plumbing ready for winter is one piece of the puzzle, knowing what mistakes to avoid will ensure your efforts aren’t reversed by common oversights.
Here are seven common plumbing don’ts to avoid and what to do instead to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and preventing costly repairs during the winter months.
#1. Don’t neglect insulating exposed pipes
Exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are especially vulnerable to freezing during cold snaps.
A frozen pipe can burst, leading to expensive water damage and repairs while also leaving you without water.
Do insulate exposed pipes before it gets too cold
Insulate exposed pipes using foam pipe sleeves, heating tape, or fiberglass insulation. Focus on pipes in areas that don’t benefit from your home’s central heating, like those in basements and crawl spaces.
Insulation is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your plumbing from a freeze all winter long.
#2. Don’t leave outdoor faucets connected
When hoses are left connected to outdoor faucets, water can remain trapped in the pipes, making them more likely to freeze and burst when temperatures drop.
Forgetting to disconnect outdoor faucets and hoses can create damage not only to your plumbing but also to your home’s exterior as well, causing cracking and separation around faucets.
Do disconnect outdoor faucets and store garden hoses
Disconnect and drain garden hoses and store them in a warm, safe place before freezing weather arrives. Then, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and let them drain completely.
For added protection, use faucet covers or insulated bibs to shield them from the cold.
#3. Don’t turn off your heat completely
While it might seem like a good way to save energy while you’re away, turning off your heat completely can allow the temperature in your home to drop below freezing, putting your pipes at risk.
Maintaining a stable indoor temperature will ensure your indoor plumbing won’t freeze and will function properly when you return.
Do set your thermostat to at least 55°F
Even when you’re away, keeping your thermostat set to above 50°F ensures that the air in your home stays warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing. A small investment in heating costs can save you thousands in potential repairs.
#4. Don’t leave cabinet doors closed
Cabinets under sinks, especially those located near exterior walls, can trap cold air around your pipes, making them more likely to freeze.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air from your home to circulate around pipes and keep water flowing through them properly
Do open cabinet doors under sinks
Remember to open cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially if you plan to leave your home for several days, to avoid this problem.
This simple step can make a big difference during especially cold weather.
#5. Don’t ignore drafts
Drafts are common in older homes with dated windows and doors. They make the air temperature in your home cooler, decreasing the efficiency of your furnace and can compromise your plumbing.
Drafts from gaps around pipes entering exterior walls or areas with poor insulation can let cold air reach your plumbing, increasing the risk of frozen pipes.
Do seal drafts and cracks
Seal gaps or cracks around pipes with caulk, foam insulation, or weather stripping. Check exterior walls, crawl spaces, and attics for drafts.
A well-sealed home keeps both your pipes and your heating bill in check.
#6. Don’t use open flames to thaw frozen pipes
If you experience a frozen pipe or suspect freezing has occurred, it may be tempting to take an open flame to try and quickly defrost the ice.
Using a torch or other open flames to thaw frozen pipes can damage the pipe material, create a fire hazard, and cause more harm than good.
Do use gradual heating methods
Thaw frozen pipes gradually using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Always start at the faucet and work your way toward the frozen section to help relieve pressure.
Avoid extreme heat and never leave a heat source unattended to avoid a potential fire hazard.
#7. Don’t forget where your shut-off valve is and how to use it
In the event of a burst pipe or other emergency, not knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can lead to significant water damage before help arrives.
Main shut-off valves are typically located in basements, near water heaters, or on the exterior of your home.
Understanding where your main shut-off valve is located as well as the shut-offs for individual appliances is crucial in case of emergency.
Do locate and practice operating shut-off valves
Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure it’s easily accessible. Practice turning it off, so you’re prepared in an emergency.
Share the location and instructions with responsible household members to ensure everyone knows how to act quickly if needed.
3 Steps To Take In Case Of A Plumbing Emergency
Even if you take the necessary steps to prepare your plumbing for freezing temperatures and what mistakes to avoid, accidents can still happen.
In case of a plumbing emergency, having the right plan in place is essential to avoid panic and ensure you can take care of the situation in a timely manner.
If you find a plumbing leak or are experiencing a plumbing emergency and aren’t sure where the source of the problem is, follow these three simple steps:
- Turn off the water supply: No matter where the leak is located, shutting off the main water supply to your home will stop the water from flowing and minimize further damage.
- Contain the leak: Utilize buckets, towels, and other supplies to clean the leak and keep water from spreading throughout your home and causing more damage.
- Call a professional plumber: Once the leak is under control, call a plumber immediately to come to your home, assess the leak and damage, and provide you with the right solution.
It’s important to remember that access to an emergency plumber may be difficult during extreme winter weather and around the holidays, so having a prompt plan in place will ensure you are prepared in case of an emergency.
Call a professional plumber at first sight of your plumbing issues to avoid creating more costly problems and excess damage to your home.
Winterizing Your Home’s Plumbing Before It’s Too Late
Now that you have a better understanding of some common plumbing mistakes to avoid making this winter and what to do to take care of them, you are well-prepared to maintain your home’s plumbing all winter long, avoid frozen pipes, and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Taking preventative measures to protect your home’s plumbing in the winter is a crucial step for homeowners in northern climates. If your plumbing is left exposed to temperatures below zero, you risk causing costly damage to your plumbing and your home.
Whether you’ve experienced several decades of harsh winters and snowstorms or are a newer homeowner in this climate, remember to…
- Insulate any exposed pipes
- Disconnect outdoor faucets and garden hoses
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, especially when away
- Leave cabinet doors under sinks open
- Seal drafts around windows and doors
- Use gradual heating methods on frozen pipes
- Locate and know how to operate your plumbing shut-off valves
In case of a plumbing emergency, remember to stay calm, conceal the leak to prevent it from spreading, and call a professional, like DEETS Mechanical.
Here at DEETS, we not only provide you with the highest quality products and services but also all the education and information you need to keep your home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical components running properly.
From winterizing your home’s plumbing to finding the right home services company for you, we’re here to help.
So, before we enter the worst months of winter, it’s essential you properly winterize your plumbing to ensure it will continue to function through the season.
Check out this checklist that details eight plumbing elements that must be winterized in your home and how to properly care for them. Then, you’ll know how to get your home’s plumbing ready for the cold along with some additional tips and tricks to avoid any potential problems.
