7 Ways to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Winter
When temperatures drop, your plumbing system needs extra protection. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the necessary steps to properly prepare their plumbing for winter weather. To make sure you’re ready for cold temperatures, there are a few simple tasks you should complete.
1. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
When cold temperatures arrive, any water left in your outdoor hoses can freeze and expand, potentially causing pipes to burst or crack. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to disconnect all of your garden hoses before the cold weather arrives. Additionally, you should drain your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to ensure that no water is left in them.
2. Insulate Your Pipes
Exposed pipes are prone to freezing during extremely cold temperatures, which can cause serious damage if not taken care of. To protect your plumbing system, consider purchasing insulating foam to wrap your pipes with. This can help prevent them from freezing, and it can also save you money on energy costs.
3. Turn Off Outside Water Valves
If your home has outdoor water valves, it’s a good idea to turn them off before the cold weather arrives. Because outdoor pipes are exposed to the harsh winter elements, they are the most likely to leak or burst upon freezing. Ensuring there’s no water left inside these pipes to freeze can go a long way in preventing costly repairs or replacements during winter.
4. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater must work harder during cold winter months, so it’s important to make sure it is in good working condition. The first step is to flush the water heater to eliminate any sediment that has built up over the course of the year. Then, adjust the temperature on the thermostat so that it is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, make sure the pressure relief valve is functioning properly and that there are no leaks around the unit.
5. Insulate Your Hot Water Tank
When cold weather arrives, the heat in your hot water tank can be lost more quickly. To prevent that from happening, you should add insulation around your hot water tank. This will help keep the heat inside for a longer period of time, allowing you to save money on energy costs.
6. Check for Leaks
Check all of your faucets and pipes for any signs of water leakage. If you find any leaks, it’s important to have them fixed before winter arrives. One of the best ways to check for leaks is to look at your water bill. If it’s higher than usual, there is a good chance that you have a plumbing issue. Next, check your pipes and faucets for any signs of water pooling or wet spots. You should also check underneath your sinks, as this is a common place for plumbing issues to arise.
7. Have Your Sewer System Inspected
To make sure that your sewer system is functioning properly during winter, have a professional inspect it before the cold weather sets in. During this inspection, a plumber will look for any signs of blockage, corrosion, or other damage. Having this done now will help ensure that your plumbing system is in good condition before winter arrives.
Preparing your plumbing system for winter is an important part of home maintenance that many people overlook. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you aren’t familiar with plumbing systems in Mount Laurel Township, NJ. Thankfully, Price’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling company is here to assist you with all of your plumbing needs. From inspecting your sewer system to insulating your pipes, our experienced technicians can help make sure that your plumbing is ready for the cold months ahead. Reach out to us online today or call (856) 325-9719 to learn more about how we can help!