Keeping a home in good condition during the winter may require more effort from a homeowner than just turning up the heat inside the home. Preparing your plumbing for the winter and before the Utah cold sets in will prevent water damage, frozen components, and damage to your pipes. Taking the steps to winterize your home will save you money and panic if an emergency were to occur. Our plumbers and technicians at S&B Plumbing want you to be prepared for the winter season and reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies during a harsh season. Here are some services that our plumbing company offers and tips to add to your to-do list before a big winter storm.
Make Sure Your Pipes Are Insulated
Just like your water heater, your pipes can be insulated as well. Maintaining the temperature of the pipes will prevent freezing when water isn’t running through them. Foam pipe insulation is the most popular option when keeping your pipes warm for winter. Heat tape can also be used to wrap exposed pipes throughout the home (these are usually found in basements and attics).
Pipes in exterior walls are the most prone to freezing because they are the closest to the outdoor temperatures. Take special care to insulate these pipes because of changing temperatures outside and inside.
Let Water Drip From The Faucets
When water is not being consistently run through your pipes, they are more prone to freezing. One way you can prepare your plumbing for the winter is to let the faucets drip slightly. When a storm is coming in, let the faucets throughout the home drip overnight. If you are leaving your home for a trip or extended period of time, dripping faucets will also help prevent frozen pipes when you return home.
This may result in a slightly higher water bill for the winter, but reducing the repairs that need to be made will actually be cheaper. Frozen or burst pipes can become costly, so forking over some extra money during colder months will be worthwhile.
Disconnect Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor taps, garden hoses, or other exterior water supplies will not be needed during the winter, so disconnecting these fixtures or implementing faucet covers will protect your home. Draining water from hoses will also prevent them from freezing to the tap. Store them in a warm place so they are in good condition for the spring.
Keep Your Interior Temperature Consistent
Fluctuating temperatures are the biggest reason that interior and exterior pipes begin to freeze. Homeowners can protect their interior pipes by keeping their thermostats at a consistent temperature. Having your furnace run at a moderate temperature, even when you are not home, will keep the pipes warm.
If your pipes are insulated, keeping the interior temperature consistent will help the insulation hold in that heat when outdoor temperatures drop. Minimize the risk of frozen pipes by keeping your thermostat around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your home should never get below 55 degrees Fahrenheit if you want to avoid frozen pipes.
Schedule Annual Water Heater Maintenance
Before the winter months, having a water heater service from S&B Plumbing will ensure that you have hot water all season long. Experts from our company will
- Check all parts of the water heater
- Replace any parts or valves that may be faulty
- Flush your tank to remove sediment
- Adjust the heater temperature if necessary
Another way to prepare your water heater is to insulate it. Special sleeves are made for water heaters to ensure that your water stays hot and the components don’t freeze when not in use. Doing proper water heater maintenance will ensure you have a comfortable and safe winter inside your home.
Prepare For Winter With The Help Of S&B Plumbing
You can minimize the risk of frozen pipes by seeking the advice of a professional plumber. Sid and Brian both have a love for plumbing and helping the residents of Utah. Our company prides itself on providing the best quality plumbing repairs, parts, and services to help keep Utah homes and businesses safe. Our team often works on commercial properties, but we offer multiple residential services like drain cleaning, toilet repair, and bathroom remodeling.
S&B Plumbing is proud to serve homes and businesses of all sizes along the Wasatch Front. Whether you need a small repair or a completely new plumbing system, our team can help!