5 Plumbing Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance

Winter is a time of year when many people rely on their plumbing systems to keep them warm and dry. Winter can also be a tough time for your plumbing system, as it may not be designed for harsh weather conditions. This post will introduce you to five tips that will help prepare your home and family for winter, as well as help you with any possible plumbing emergencies that might come up during this season.

Examine the House Plumbing Thoroughly

The beginning of winter is a perfect time to take an in-depth look at the plumbing system inside your home. Winter weather can make it more difficult for water and waste products to flow through pipes, which increases the risk of clogs forming over time. In addition, cold conditions can reduce your ability to maintain your household’s regular maintenance schedule throughout the year. 

Check All Pipes for Leaks, Cracks or Other Damage

You will want to check all pipes both inside and outside your home as part of this thorough inspection. Look at outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to ensure that they are all turned off. Don’t forget about the internal plumbing as well, such as under sinks or behind toilets, where leaks may occur without your knowledge.

Locate All Shut-Off Valves

You should know how to turn off each of the main valves in your home’s plumbing system during an emergency. You will want to locate all the valves in your home and make a note of where they are located, as well as how to use them. Although this may seem unnecessary, you can save yourself from tremendous stress by knowing what needs to be done when something goes wrong with the plumbing system.

Flush Your Water Heater

It is a good idea to drain and refill your water heater at least once a year. Doing so will help to prevent long-term issues caused by the buildup of sediment. Simply turn on the cold water spigot that leads into your hot water tank to flush it. Allow it to run for a few minutes until the water flowing from your hose is clear. Continue flushing until there is no more sand in your water or only minimal amounts.

Check Your Drains, Faucets and Pipes

The best way to prevent winter plumbing emergencies from occurring at all is by conducting regular household maintenance over the coming months. Inspect and clean out pipe traps, drains, and faucet screens in order to remove any debris that may have accumulated over time. Properly insulate and cover pipes and faucets in unheated areas of your home like garage and basements in order to prevent freezing.

Make Contact with a Winter Plumbing Professional

Winter is an especially tough time of the year for all homeowners. The good news is that there are many inexpensive steps you can take now to prepare your home and family for winter. A professional plumber can help you with any problems that might occur before they escalate into emergencies during wintertime. An annual inspection from your local plumbing company can also help you to identify any potential problems that may arise before they turn into major issues. You should also know what to do if a plumbing emergency does arise this season.

We hope these five tips have been helpful! If you need help during the winter months or with any other aspect of your plumbing needs, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!