In the middle of the holiday season, the last thing you’ll want to do is call an emergency plumber. However, when a pipe freezes and bursts, this may be your only choice. Instead of allowing plumbing issues to get in the way of your winter fun, use the following three tips to prepare your system for the cold temperatures ahead.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for the Winter

1. Check for Drafts

First, look around your home for areas that feel chillier than others. When you sense a spot, place your bare hand around the edges of nearby doors and windows, as well as any passageways for wiring or plumbing. If you feel cold air on your skin, there’s likely an opening to the outdoors. In this case, you might need to replace caulking or weatherstripping, or have a hole professionally patched and sealed. If you don’t, the cold air could cause pipes to freeze or burst.

2. Install Insulation

Even if there are no drafts, some areas of your house may be prone to colder temperatures than others. In fact, most emergency plumbers respond to calls about burst or frozen pipes in basements, garages, and crawlspaces. To prevent this problem, cover your plumbing fixtures and pipes in these areas with insulation. You can pick up padded covers to wrap around pipes, or apply heat tape, which will actively raise the temperature of the metal. If you're going away for the holidays, make sure to supplement the insulation by leaving your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.

3. Drain Outdoor Fixtures

Unfortunately, your outdoor pipes won't have any protection from the frigid winter weather. That's why it's essential to drain them of any residual moisture, which could freeze and lead to bursting. To empty your outdoor fixtures, unscrew the hoses, shut off the water main, and use the pipe valve to extract standing water from inside the pipe. You can also insulate your spigot for further protection.

If you’re worried about how your plumbing system will make it through the winter, turn to Bohannon’s Plumbing & General Repairs in Thomasville, NC. They’ve spent over three decades helping High Point residents manage their plumbing throughout the year. If you run into an issue, call their emergency plumbers at (336) 561-9444 for 24-hour service. To learn more about their services and discounts, visit their website.