09 Nov. 12

Winter Plumbing Tips for your Home

Frozen pipes in your home can limit or even prevent the use of water in your home until the pipes are thawed. In some cases, frozen water in pipes will cause pipes to break, and this can cause significant repair cost as well as the possibility of water damage. By following a few key tips, you can take steps to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing and bursting even on the coldest days and nights.

– Check Your Main Shutoff Valve: Before the winter season kicks into full gear, locate your home’s main shutoff valve. This is the valve that supplies water to your home, and it typically is located outside the home. Turn the valve to ensure it functions properly. If you do discover a burst pipe, knowing where this valve is located and ensuring that it can function as needed to shut off the water supply to your home can prevent unnecessary water damage.

– Store Your Hoses: Before the first freeze of the season, remove the hoses from your exterior faucets. For homes that have a shutoff valve for exterior faucets, turn off the water supply for these faucets, then drain the faucets of water. By removing the hoses and draining water from these faucets, you can prevent these exterior pipes from freezing and bursting.

– Service Your Hot Water Heater: When the temperature is frigid outside, your hot water heater must work harder to heat the water your home demands. By servicing your hot water heater and flushing it of deposits, you can minimize the need for repairs and extend the life of your hot water heater.

By following these useful winter plumbing tips, you can protect your home’s plumbing fixtures, prevent pipes from freezing and bursting and minimize water damage to your home if a pipe does burst. But remember, if you are still experiencing problems; remember to call professional plumbers like All About The Pipes Plumbing Inc.