Ready for it or not, winter has arrived. And, as you watch the swirling flakes, listen to the wind howl, and check the overnight low, don’t you feel secure and cozy in the knowledge that you’ve properly winterized your plumbing?
If the answer to that question is no, then perhaps a quick review of winter plumbing protocol is in order. Without further ado, here are five simple tips that can keep your pipes, faucets, and hot water heater happy throughout the deep winter and beyond.
Your family, schedule, and wallet will thank you.
Inspect Pipe Insulation
With some of the coldest sustained winter temperatures in the world, Winnipeg is not a city where you can get away with neglecting your pipe insulation. Any pipes that are housed in unheated areas, such as a crawl space or garage, absolutely must be well insulated to keep from freezing.
You can insulate pipes with fiberglass or polyethylene products designed for this purpose. To add an extra layer of warmth, consider wrapping pipes in heat tape before insulating. No matter how you do it, pipe insulation is critical. If this all sounds like a bit much, the experts at Clean Line Sewer & Drain are always happy to help.
Fix Exterior Imperfections
It may seem like a no-brainer to insulate exposed pipes, but what about the pipes that are already supposed to be protected? It never pays to make assumptions. Always take the time to inspect your home’s exterior for imperfections that might allow freezing air in.
Even small cracks or holes can put your pipes at risk in sub-zero weather. So, before the snow flies, have a house patching party. Bring on the caulking guns and spray foam!
Properly Manage Outdoor Faucets
Leaving an outdoor hose or faucet connected throughout the winter months is a major no-no. So, what’s the proper way to handle exterior water sources?
First of all, disconnect, drain, and store any hoses. Second, turn off the shut-off valve (usually located inside your home). Third, leave the outside faucet in the “on” position to release the pressure in your pipes and prevent potential issues. Reverse these steps come springtime, and your outdoor water supply should be good to go!
Give Your Hot Water Heater Some Love
Winter is the time when we most love hot baths and showers. It’s also the time of year when your hot water heater is most at risk of breaking—if you haven’t maintained it properly. Besides being expensive to replace, hot water heaters improve our lives in so many ways. At Clean Line, our recommendation is to have your hot water heater inspected and serviced at least once a year, preferably in the fall.
Prepare Properly for Winter Vacations
If you’re lucky enough to be headed south for the winter season, make sure to prepare your plumbing properly before you go. From shutting off water sources to adding antifreeze to drain traps, there are lots of tasks to keep in mind.
Clean Line Sewer & Drain
Hopefully, your plumbing is properly winterized and ready to withstand the onslaught of freezing temperatures. But in case you’re looking for plumbing services in Winnipeg, Clean Line Sewer & Drain has got you covered. Reach out to us with any questions today!
