With fall in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before winter arrives. While many people remember to schedule a tuneup for their heater, some forget to take care of their plumbing, especially for any unheated outbuildings. When you have these structures, any exposed piping and supply lines need to be protected. If you’re unsure what to do, Bernie Buchner has some advice. For more than 60 years, they’ve been the trusted plumbing and HVAC company in the La Crosse, WI, area. Here’s what they recommend.

A Basic Guide to Winterizing Outbuilding Plumbing Pipes

Purpose

Before getting into how to protect and winterize your piping, it’s important to understand why it’s necessary. Although most materials contract in freezing temperatures, water expands once it reaches its frozen state. If this happens while it’s in a pipe, the expansive pressure can actually crack it, which may lead to massive flooding and water damage. Exposed piping is more vulnerable since it quickly comes into contact with fluctuating temperatures.

Options

To combat this problem, shut off the flow of water to the outbuilding and drain the pipes fully. However, depending on your situation, you may need to keep the water running. If that’s the case, use heat tape and foam insulation. Heat tape adheres to the pipe directly and is connected to an electrical source that generates heat. For safety purposes, it’s best to have heat tape installed by plumbing professionals; any improper application can be a fire hazard.

Water Heater Tanks

If you have a tank-type water heater in the outbuilding, the room itself should be properly insulated and heated to prevent damage. However, if you aren’t using it, you can add RV antifreeze to the contents for the duration of the season. This will protect the tank but will spoil the water within. When spring comes around, you’ll need to completely drain and flush out the whole system to ensure it's clean and free of any antifreeze.

If you’re in the La Crosse area and need help with any of the aforementioned, call Bernie Buchner today at (608) 784-9000. Known for their dedicated customer service, you can always expect a job well done. Beyond these kinds of installation tasks, they also offer repairs and maintenance so if you’re having an issue with your faucets, toilets, or water heater, they’ll be able to handle it. To learn more about all their plumbing services, please visit their website.