As temperatures begin to drop, homeowners should make sure their plumbing is ready for the cold. Frozen pipes can burst and flood the house, causing disastrous damage. Protect your family and home this season by completing the winter plumbing checklist below.

5 Tips to Get Your Plumbing Winter-Ready

1. Check for Leaks

Leaks create weak spots in your system that leave pipes more vulnerable to bursting due to the increased pressure. Small leaks can’t wait, as even the slightest crack can cause massive problems. Check exposed plumbing for leaks and have them patched professionally.

2. Cover Your Pipes

Most indoor plumbing should be safe during the winter, but pipes in unheated areas of the home—such as the garage, attic, and crawl spaces—are at risk of freezing. Cover exposed pipes with heat tape, heat cable, or insulating foam, which can be picked up from any hardware store. This simple step will ensure every part of your home is protected against bursting pipes.

3. Prepare for Cold Snaps

If you see a sudden drop in temperature on the weather forecast, there are a few ways you can prepare. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets containing plumbing to allow heat to better circulate inside, and purchase a small space heater to keep the pipes warm.

Turn your faucets on to a trickle to relieve pressure in case your pipes do freeze. This may bump up your water bill, but it will save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on home repairs from a pipe that bursts.

4. Turn Off Outdoor Faucets

Always turn off outdoor faucets and appliances. Drain all the water from pipes and hoses, then disconnect the hoses and store them indoors until spring arrives. To ensure no water leaks through and freezes in your pipes, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets completely.

5. Have Your Furnace Serviced

Having a functional furnace will keep your home, family, and pipes at a comfortable temperature. Schedule an appointment with a plumbing service before temperatures drop below freezing. They will complete any maintenance and repairs your furnace may need in order to work efficiently throughout the season. For example, they’ll check the vent system for leaks and lubricate the motor, reducing friction. 

 

If you need a dependable contractor to ensure the safety of your plumbing and heating systems, look no further than Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating. Serving La Crosse County, WI, this fully licensed and insured company offers expert repairs and maintenance to the Coulee Region. With a skilled team, 24-hour emergency services, and over 100 years in business, they’re well-known throughout the community for providing quick, efficient work and effective communication. Visit their website for more information about services. To discuss your needs, call (608) 782-1700 today.