As the temperatures start to drop in West Boylston and the surrounding communities, you should get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. One area you will want to pay close attention to is your plumbing system. Changes in the weather can affect key plumbing components like your pipes and your water heater. Taking proactive steps now can help you avoid costly issues such as leaks, burst pipes, or backups.
Below, our plumbing service team shares some of the most effective ways to prepare your plumbing system for a seasonal shift.
1. Insulate and Inspect the Pipes
The first step in getting your plumbing system ready for the cooler weather is by scheduling a professional inspection of your pipes. At DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we will take the time to inspect them for things like leaks and signs of corrosion. Corrosion can indicate vulnerability when the temperatures drop. To protect your pipes from freezing, consider using foam pipe sleeves or heat tape. We can also upgrade certain fixtures to freeze-proof models if they are at a high risk of freezing.
When a homeowner experiences a flooded basement in the wintertime, the initial culprit is usually the pipes that weren’t properly insulated. Focus especially on areas like the basement, the attic, and crawl spaces. These specific areas tend to get exposed to very cold air. Consequently, they are the areas you will most likely see experience some damage.
2. Water Heater Inspection and Maintenance
If you want to enjoy a hot shower on a chilly December morning, it’s important to give your water heater some attention early in the fall. Start by checking the temperature setting. Keep it around 120°F as this helps you to save energy and money while avoiding burns or too much pressure in the tank.
Next, it is important to remove any sediment buildup or mineral deposits that can reduce operational efficiency. This can be done by draining and flushing the tank. For increased protection, consider investing in a water heater blanket. If your unit is in a cold area like the basement or the garage, the blanket can help prevent your heater from working harder than necessary to keep your water warm.
3. Safeguard Your Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
It’s important to properly store outdoor items and protect your outdoor plumbing. Begin the process by disconnecting all of the hoses and the equipment. Make sure any remaining water gets drained out. Any lingering water can freeze and damage your items. Frozen water can lead to cracking or bursting of pipes, fixtures, and hoses.
Next, cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers. These covers help to protect both the faucets and the pipes they connect to from freezing temperatures. If your home has an outdoor irrigation system, it should be turned off for the season, as an outdoor water supply isn’t essential during the winter months. Taking these steps now can help prevent costly repairs and keep your plumbing in good condition all year long.
4. Detect and Deal With Plumbing Leaks Quickly
Time is of the essence when it comes to fixing a plumbing leak. This is especially true in the winter. Just a small drip can quickly escalate into a catastrophic and expensive disaster if freezing is involved. When water freezes, it expands. The pressure from the expansion can then crack or burst your pipes.
To protect your home, regularly check the plumbing for cracks or leaks. Look at areas like the location of your water heater, underneath sinks, and anywhere pipes are exposed. If you discover a leak, contact our team immediately for repairs.
Catching potential problems early can save you from thousands of dollars in water and structural damage. Even if you’re not sure whether you’ve found a leak, having a professional inspection performed can offer peace of mind and prevent bigger issues down the road.
5. Develop a Routine for Interior Plumbing
Just because interior plumbing is surrounded by the warmth of your heated home doesn’t mean it is exempt from experiencing cold-weather damage. The water inside your pipes can still freeze and cause costly problems. This certainly includes the pipes that are hidden in walls, running through the kitchen, and throughout other areas of the house. You can take intentional steps to protect your plumbing during the winter months.
Allow your faucets to drip at a slow trickle. A small, steady drip keeps water moving. This makes it less likely to accumulate and freeze.
In the kitchen and the bathrooms, leave the doors under sinks slightly open. When warm air circulates around pipes, they’re less likely to freeze.
Maintain a safe thermostat setting. If you’re traveling during the colder months, never shut off your thermostat. In fact, keep your thermostat at no lower than 55°F. Maintaining a warm temperature will prevent ice from forming inside and on the exterior of your pipes.
6. Prepare for Emergencies
Unfortunately, even when you follow all the right protocols, plumbing issues can still arise. This predicament is prevalent during extreme weather conditions. That’s why having a preparedness strategy is important.
This preparedness strategy should include knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve. If there’s an unfortunate situation where a pipe bursts or there is an urgent plumbing emergency, shutting off the water at the source reduces the risk of damage. You should test these valves regularly to ensure they move freely and are not stuck open. Valves can be lubricated to ensure movement. Replace older valves that show excessive wear or damage.
Keep the contact information of a licensed plumbing professional in an easily accessible spot. It’s also wise to keep the information saved on your phone for quick access.
Even though you might not possess a plumber’s skillset, it helps to keep a few plumbing tools in your home. Invest in a heavy-duty plunger for minor clogs. It’s also great to keep a bucket, plumber’s tape, and a wrench on hand to address leaks until we arrive.
Know where your water heater is located. If it needs to be drained, possessing this key skill can save you time until the plumber arrives (in the case of an emergency). While it’s always important to include professional assistance in your list of solutions, an emergency means that time is of the essence. Knowing what to do until a professional arrives is paramount.
For long-term preparedness, think about investing in a backup generator to keep vital systems running until professional help arrives. Keep the contact information for a trusted, licensed plumber in your plan so you can act quickly.
Finding the Right Professionals
At DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we understand the unique challenges that West Boylston, Falmouth and the surrounding Massachusetts communities face each winter. Our team of licensed, highly trained professionals offers extensive plumbing solutions including drain snaking, camera inspections, and leak repairs. Don’t wait until a frozen pipe or broken furnace interrupts your comfort.
Be proactive by calling DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to schedule your plumbing service.
