As winter approaches, with cold snaps always seeming to come out of nowhere, it’s important to take the time to make sure your plumbing is winter ready now. By taking a few preventative measures before winter sets in, you can protect your plumbing and your home from unpleasant surprises and costly repairs. We’ve compiled a simple seasonal checklist to keep water flowing safely through the winter.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

When winter temperatures drop, poorly insulated pipes are at risk of freezing and subsequently cracking or bursting. This is especially true for pipes in exposed, unheated areas of your home, for example basements, lofts or garages.

Pipes can be insulated using foam pipe insulation sleeves or lagging tape. Extra attention should be paid to joints and elbows, or long sections of exposed pipe, as these areas are more vulnerable to freezing and damage.

Drain and Isolate Outdoor Taps

For outdoor taps and pipes, insulation may not be sufficient to protect them. In this case, the best way to look after them is to drain them of water. First find and turn off the internal shut off valve for any external taps, and then you can drain any remaining water by fully opening the tap. You can also add insulated outdoor tap covers to help protect your outdoor plumbing.

Service Your Water Heater

Cold weather can put a strain on your water heater, so before winter comes it’s important to ensure your water heater is in good working condition. Consider flushing the tank to remove any build-up of sediment, as this can cause inefficient heating. By keeping your water heater clear of sediment build-up, you will extend its lifespan as well as ensuring a reliable supply of hot water.

Maintain Indoor Temperatures

To ensure that your pipes do not freeze, it is recommended to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 13°C, even if you’re away from home. If you’re going away for any length of time during winter, ensure that your thermostat is set to keep your home warm, and open any kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors that cover pipes to allow warm air to circulate around them.

Prepare for Worst Case Scenarios

In the event that temperatures drop significantly, or if you are unable to keep pipes at a reasonable temperature to prevent freezing, your best course of action is to slightly open taps to allow them to drip slightly. This keeps the water in the pipes moving, making it less likely to freeze.

You should also ensure that you know the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve and make sure that it is in good working order. In case a pipe freezes or bursts, shutting off the water supply can prevent further damage.

It’s also a good idea to have a plumber’s contact information handy in case you need quick and reliable help.

Final Thoughts

By preparing your plumbing for winter, you can keep your water running smoothly and reliably throughout. At NewFlo Plumbing we’re here to help, whether you need assistance with your seasonal maintenance or emergency repairs.