As a homeowner, you understand that there are absolutely a lot of important things you will have to keep in mind in order to ensure that the household is functioning perfectly, and that you are not dealing with any kinds of problems. And, of course, there are also a few important systems that you will have to ensure are running properly, as that will have an enormous effect on the overall functionality of your entire household. Your plumbing system is, naturally, one of those.
Clearly, you get the significance of properly maintaining your plumbing system and getting regular professional maintenance services. Furthermore, you generally get why working with DWV Plumbing Services in Texas, or similar companies, is sure to help you ensure that everything is running smoothly. Whether you need repairs, replacements, installations or maintenance, there is absolutely no denying the fact that you will need to hire professionals. And, most people definitely understand that.
Here is the thing, though. While most people do understand the importance of using those professional services, they tend to forget one rather important thing that they have to do when it comes to maintaining their plumbing system. To cut right to the chase, I am talking about preparing it for the winter. After all, you don’t want your pipes to freeze or burst, due to you not having made some right moves towards protecting them.
It is not unusual for people to forget to do this for one reason or another. Yet, the truth is that you should absolutely never forget it, because winterization for your home’s plumbing is of extreme importance. Yet, while you may know that it is of utmost importance, you may still be a bit confused about how you can do this successfully.
And, if that is the case, then you have certainly come to the right place. In the simplest words possible, below you will find some winterization tips for your home’s plumbing shared by a plumbing company in Texas. So, in short, you will get professional tips on how to do this the right way, and you will, therefore, know precisely which steps to take towards it. Without any further ado, thus, let us get started. Let us start sharing the tips you need here.
This could perhaps also help: https://www.angi.com/articles/5-tips-winterize-plumbing-and-pipes.htm
- Make Sure to Insulate the Exposed Pipes
Okay, first things first, you have to do something about the exposed plumbing. In fact, this is absolutely one of the main and the most effective winterization steps. To cut right to the chase, you have to understand that those pipes located in garages, attics, exterior walls, crawl spaces, as well as utility rooms are rather vulnerable, and you have to, then, do something about that. So, use fiberglass or foam pipe insulation to cover the pipes near exterior walls, the plumbing near the vents or in unheated spaces, as well as the hot and cold water supply lines. This will help maintain internal water temperature and slow down heat loss, which will reduce the likelihood of your plumbing components freezing.
- Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Moving on, you should be aware of the fact that cold air entering your household can undeniably freeze your pipes even when indoor heating is running. This means that you should do your best to seal any air leaks, thus at the same time protecting your plumbing and boosting energy efficiency. Take your time, therefore, to check for drafts around windows and doors, especially those located near your plumbing components, garage walls, attic access points, as well as foundation penetrations where the pipes actually enter the home. You can use caulk, extending foam, or something else, to seal those air leaks, and you should always remember that even a small gap can let enough cold air in to freeze your pipes, meaning you shouldn’t leave anything up to chance.
- Protect the Outdoor Facets
If you have any outdoor facets, you know that they are highly vulnerable, and that they are sure to be the first component to freeze when it gets cold outside. So, take your time to protect these, disconnecting all garden hoses, draining the remaining water from the faucet, as well as installing insulated faucet covers. This may not be the first thing on your mind, but it is definitely something you have to do. If you’re curious about some DIY plumbing repairs in general, this page could give you some ideas.
- Keep Your Indoor Temperature Steady
Unsurprisingly, your indoor temperature is sure to play a huge role in preventing those freezes. And in, thus, your home’s plumbing winterization. It is rather tempting for you to want to, well, lower the thermostat during the night to save some energy, but this is not the best move during those winter cold snaps in Texas. This is because drastic temperature changes can undeniably put your pipes at risk. So, do your best to maintain consistent temperatures inside, and don’t turn off the heating entirely if you’re going out of town, as that could lead to extensive water damage due to frozen pipes.
- Let the Faucets Drip During Freezes
Here is one of the easiest things you can do when you want to ensure that your pipes won’t freeze. In short, let the faucets drip during freezes. After all, moving water is much less likely to freeze, and this kind of pressure relief helps prevent bursting in case ice does form. So, don’t forget to do this, especially during the night.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection
Finally, you should always schedule a professional inspection. Sure, most of these winterization tips provided by a plumbing company in Texas are DIY-friendly. Yet, a professional inspection can take things to the next level and add an extra layer or protection. Experts can identify and hidden vulnerabilities, check the condition of the pipes, as well as recommend any kinds of upgrades or insulation improvements that you have to do. And, in the end, a preventative inspection is far more affordable than an emergency repair during a freeze.