2022 is ending, the cold weather and potential for winter storms is right around the corner. Your home’s plumbing system may face many common problems as the temperatures drop and the threat of storms approaches.
Here are some things you can do to have peace of mind this winter, knowing that your system will make it through this season:
- Insulate your pipes: Exposed pipes are more likely to freeze in the winter, so it’s a good idea to insulate them to keep them warm. You can use foam pipe insulation, which is easy to install and can be found at most hardware stores.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Water left in outdoor hoses can freeze and expand, which can cause the hose or the faucet to break. To prevent this, it’s best to disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses before the winter arrives. Furthermore, remember to cover your outdoor faucets with an insulated cover, also available at your local hardware store.
- Keep the heat on: Even if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, it’s important to keep the heat on to prevent your pipes from freezing. You can set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep your pipes warm.
- Seal air leaks: Cold air can enter your home through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. This can cause your pipes to freeze, so it’s important to seal any air leaks to keep your home warm.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is: If a pipe does freeze and burst, it’s crucial to be able to shut off the water quickly to prevent further damage. Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is and how to use it.
- Consider installing a freeze alarm: A freeze alarm is a device that will alert you if the temperature in your home drops below a certain level. This can give you time to take action to prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Keep cabinet doors open: Pipes that run through unheated areas, such as cabinets, are more likely to freeze. To help keep these pipes warm, you can keep the doors to these cabinets open during the winter to allow warm air to circulate.
- Let your faucets drip: Running water is less likely to freeze, so it can be helpful to let your faucets drip a little during extremely cold weather. This is recommended when the outside temperature reaches below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taking these steps can help protect your plumbing systems from freezing and potentially bursting in the winter. You can contact our trained professionals to help you with preventative maintenance this winter. Call Miller’s Services at 804-758-4314 or schedule online today.