The cold weather is fast approaching, and winterizing your plumbing is essential. Failure to winterize your plumbing can result in significant damages such as burst pipes and property damage due to flooding. Water damage can lead to additional problems, such as black mold, rotting walls, and falling ceilings. Winterizing your plumbing may seem like a daunting task, but following the below steps will simplify the process. Make sure to check off each step as you go.
Insulate Your Pipes
Check for any pipes that are either located outside or far away from a heat source. If your property has any pipes that are located outside or they are far from a heat source, such as in a garage, crawl space, or basement, these pipes must be insulated. You can insulate your pipes with foam or insulation sleeves. You can also use heat tape; however, if you decide to use heat tape, you must make sure you are following all safety precautions for using heat tape to avoid hazards. For good measure, it is highly recommended that you contact a plumber to make certain your pipes are properly insulated.
Insulate Your Hot Water Heater
In addition to insulating your pipes, you must also insulate your hot water heater. During the colder months, the temperature inside of your hot water heater tank can drop as much as 25 degrees. Insulating your hot water heater will ensure heat does not escape so you can save on your energy bills and prevent your hot water heater from working as hard. Insulating your hot water heater is done by wrapping your hot water tank in a specialized blanket and insulating the pipes leading to it. You can procure hot water heating blankets from your local hardware store or by asking a plumber to insulate your hot water heater for you.
Shut Off Valves Leading Outdoors
Turn off all valves that lead outdoors and disconnect your garden hoses. This prevents water from sitting in these pipes, causing them to freeze and burst. For added measure, cover your outdoor spickets with insulation covers. You can purchase insulation covers from any local hardware store.
Keep Your Home Above a Certain Temperature
In addition to insulating your pipes that are in vulnerable locations, we highly recommend that you use your furnace or HVAC system to warm your home. Keep your bathroom cabinets open to expose the pipes to warmer temperatures. Keeping your home warm will protect your pipes against freezing temperatures.
To ensure that you have properly winterized your property, contact Flow Plumbing for inspections. Our highly skilled plumbers will be more than happy to come and provide the necessary guidance to protect your home’s plumbing system. We serve clients in Mesquite, Texas and the surrounding areas, and we look forward to working with you.
