As the weather begins to cool, one of the things homeowners should begin thinking about is plumbing maintenance. There are a few things you’ll need to do to keep your plumbing system in good working order throughout the cold temperatures. Here are a few suggestions to help you winterize your home.

How Can You Protect Your Plumbing in the Winter?

1. Fix Leaks

The fall is the ideal time to go through your plumbing system and inspect it for leaks. Since it’s not too cold yet, you’ll be able to follow the pipes throughout your home to spot leaking water. If you do see a leak, it’s important to have it fixed right away. Even a small crack in your pipes will expose the inside of the pipe to freezing temperatures, but a plumber can seal or replace the pipe.

2. Insulate Pipes

The residential plumbing system that’s in any home carries water to the home from an outside source, whether that’s a well or a municipal water treatment facility. This means the pipes you rely on come into the home through your basement and run along the outside of the home. These areas are exposed to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, so the pipes in these areas will need extra protection. By having them wrapped in insulation, you can ensure water running through those pipes are far less likely to freeze.

3. Check Water Heater

A plumber should also take a look at your water heater before winter starts to ensure it can handle the increased use of the colder months. This service should include flushing the tank and tuning up the heating system. You should ask about increasing the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees if it’s not already set that high. This will ensure the water is always hot enough to be used, so you won’t waste energy waiting for the water to heat up.

4. Test Sump Pump

Your plumbing contractor can look at your sump pump during his inspection of your home’s plumbing system. The sump pump is responsible for pumping water away from the home after it has been collected in the sump pit. If your sump pump fails in the winter and the water in the sump pit freezes, you could end up with a costly and difficult problem. Your plumber can tell you if your sump pump is in good condition, or if you should replace it before winter.

 

When you’re ready to have your plumbing system inspected and prepared for winter, you should look for an experienced contractor. Backed by more than 20 years of experience, Big River Plumbing serves residential and commercial customers throughout Minnesota’s Washington and Dakota Counties. They offer a limited warranty on workmanship in addition to the product warranties offered by manufacturers. You can learn more about their services by visiting their website. To request service, call them at (612) 286-5662.