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Leaving your home vacant for the winter can be tough on the pipes. If the water inside the plumbing has a chance to freeze, it will expand, putting outward pressure on the pipes and causing them to burst. If you winterize your home before you leave for the season, your plumbing system should be safe without the need to heat the house.

How to Winterize Your Plumbing

1. Shut Off the Water Heater

Turn off your water heater. You can turn an electric one off at the breaker panel, or a gas one off by shutting the gas valve on the tank itself. If it’s a gas water heater, check that the pilot light is out. Connect a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank, and place the other end outside near a drain. Open up the valve and allow all the water to drain out.

2. Empty the Pipes of Water

chardon plumbingTurn off the whole house water valve if you are connected to municipal water, or the water pump if your home is on a well. Open all the faucets inside the home, both the hot and cold water, allowing the water to drain. Flush all the toilets twice to empty both the tank and the bowl. Keep the valves and taps open while you’re gone, so there’s no vacuum inside the plumbing. Use an air compressor to blow any extra water out of the pipes.

3. Add Antifreeze

If you have any toilet bowls or tanks that still have water remaining in them, add antifreeze. This solution will prevent the water from freezing and cracking the fixtures. Add antifreeze to any sink or tub drains that have traps.

 

If you have any plumbing repair or replacement needs, it’s best to handle them before you leave for the season. The plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers a full range of services to keep your system working smoothly in Chardon, OH. They have an emergency plumber available 24 hours a day if your needs can’t wait. See their list of services online and call (440) 286-6002 to schedule an appointment.

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