The long winter season can wreak havoc on your home. This is why you should take extra precautions to make sure it’s properly prepared to withstand the season’s inclement weather and cold temperatures. It’s especially important to protect your plumbing system from the elements. Frozen pipes often result in significant damage and costly repairs. The following tips will help you prevent this from happening. 

How to Keep Your Plumbing in Good Shape This Winter

1. Insulate the Pipes

Any pipes located outside or in an unheated part of your home, such as the basement, garage, or crawl spaces, need to be insulated. Wrap them in heat tape and apply a layer of fiberglass or polyethylene tubing over the top. When pipes are left exposed to cold air, water can freeze inside and cause them to burst. Hire a plumbing professional to take care of this, as they’ll be able to locate pipes you might be unaware of and access tight spaces. 

2. Let the Faucets Drip

If the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing overnight, it’s best to leave the faucets around your home open. By allowing a continuous stream of water to drip out, you can reduce the amount of pressure building up in your pipes. In turn, there’s less likelihood of them bursting. 

3. Seal Cracks & Openings

Check inside and outside your home for any areas where cold drafts may come in. This includes windows, entry doors, garage doors, and exterior walls. Seal openings with weather-stripping and fill in cracks with caulking. This will keep the brisk air from seeping in and making contact with your pipes.

If you’re unsure about the correct way to winterize your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact McGuire Plumbing & Heating for seasonal treatment. We’ll thoroughly inspect your home and implement effective solutions to keep your pipes from freezing. Backed by nearly 35 years of experience, we’re qualified to provide residents across New London County, CT, with a variety of services designed to maintain an efficiently flowing system. Call (860) 376-3388 to request an estimate, or visit us online for more information on what we offer.