Winters in Texas may not get as cold as in other parts of the United States, but they still present challenges for your plumbing. You can work with your plumber to keep your system healthy and efficient during the cold months. Here are a few tips to follow to avoid any chance of freezing pipes during the winter.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter

1. Keep Your Heat On

Temperatures can fall below freezing at night, and your home may get particularly cold if you do some winter traveling. You can turn your heat down to conserve energy while you’re away, but do not set it lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps the water in your plumbing from freezing, which can cause your pipes to rupture.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Your home’s heat will protect your indoor plumbing, but exposed pipes will experience the worse of the elements. Insulate all the plumbing that is not in climate-controlled areas, such as the garage, attic, crawl spaces, and the backyard. You can temporarily do this with insulation tape, foam, or pipe wrap. If you need a more permanent insulation solution, contact your plumber for advice.

3. Flush the Water Heater

The minerals in hard water accumulate in the water heater tank over time. That sediment build-up will corrode the tank from the inside out. Prevent this corrosion by draining out the water heater every winter. Also, take this time to check the water heater for rust or corrosion. If you find any, it might be time to install a new one.

 

Don’s Plumbing has more than 30 years of experience with prompt, professional, and proactive service in Canyon Lake, TX. They provide a full range of services, including drain cleaning, water heater services, and emergency repairs. See their full list of services online or call (830) 964-4477 to schedule an on-site evaluation with their residential plumber.