Winter Plumbing Tips

A Winter Survival Guide for Your Home Plumbing Systems: Winter Plumbing Tips

Do you think a cold shower is the worst of winter’s plumbing problems? Most homeowners don’t discover the disastrous effects winter can have on their home’s plumbing systems until it’s too late. Prevent major damage and costly repairs by following these plumbing tips.

Prevent Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes can cause major damage, especially when they burst.
Prevent this from happening by insulating and winterizing any pipes that are exposed to outdoor temperatures. If you notice decreased water pressure during the winter months, you may have a frozen pipe. Call your plumber right away to prevent leaks or bursts.

Disconnect Your Hoses: Outdoor faucets and connected hoses cause your water lines to freeze. This buildup often results in major problems like leaking or bursting pipes. Disconnect everything from your outdoor faucets and follow the rules of plumbing basics to winterize them with jackets or insulation.

Keep Your Pipes and Water Heater Warm: Ensuring your home’s plumbing systems are warm during the winter months can prevent frozen pipes and reduce energy costs. Keep the area around your water heater warm and insulated. Remember that indoor pipes are still at risk for freezing if they are near outdoor walls. Increase the flow of warm air to these pipes by opening cabinets and cupboards during cold weather. Keep your home heated at 55 degrees or warmer, even if you go on vacation.  

Keep Up with Septic Tank Maintenance: Monitoring and maintaining your home’s septic system is one of the most important plumbing basics. Emptying or repairing your septic tank during winter months is much more difficult and expensive than in warmer seasons. Before the onset of winter, call your plumbing company to perform system checks and maintenance.

With a greater understanding of these plumbing tips, tricks, and tactics, you can bundle up and enjoy a worry-free winter! To discover more plumbing basics to get you through any season, take a look at the Mr. Rooter blog or head to their website for expert advice.