There is nothing more beautiful than a Colorado Springs winter with its snow-covered mountains and sparkling sidewalks.
Unfortunately, while winter means staying cozy and warm inside, it also means potential plumbing problems. Preparing your plumbing for a long winter is essential so that you are not faced with expensive repairs or water damage.
Keep reading to learn more about winterizing your plumbing and when to call a Colorado Springs plumber for help.
Pipes Should Not Be Exposed
Colorado gets very cold, so covering and insulating exposed pipes is important. The pipes in unheated areas of your home can freeze if unprotected. You can use foam pipe insulation or sleeves to cover them.
If extreme cold temperatures are predicted, wrap the pipes with heat tape. This will provide extra protection during snowstorms.
Extra Measures to Prevent Frozen Pipes
When the temperatures plummet sharply, you should let your faucets drip ever so slightly. It is more difficult for running water to freeze so that the pressure will be lifted off your plumbing system.
Keep in mind that frozen pipes can burst. So, by taking this small measure, you can save much money on repairs.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
It is a bad idea to leave hoses connected outdoors. The water inside a hose can freeze as soon as it gets very cold. When this happens, it expands, causing pressure in the pipes.
It is easy to prevent this from happening. Simply disconnect all hoses and drain the water before you pack them away. There should also be no water supply to outdoor faucets.
While at it, if you have a sprinkler system, you should drain the lines and shut off the water supply. Blow out the water in the pipes to empty them. This process is not always easy, so you should contact a plumber for help.
Seal off Gaps
It is not only direct contact with snow that can freeze pipes. Even a draft can lead to frozen pipes when it gets extremely cold.
You must inspect the exterior of your home for holes and gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation. If these are not sealed off, cold air will enter, putting the pipes at risk of freezing.
You can use caulk to seal these openings, taking care to add more in areas where your pipes run through exterior walls.
Leave the Cabinet Doors Open
It may seem like a strange thing to do, but if you leave kitchen and bathroom (under-sink) cabinets open, it allows the warmer indoor air to circulate near the pipes. If the pipes are closed off to the warmer areas, your pipes are more vulnerable to freezing.
Prepare Your Water Heater
Your water heater will work much harder during winter because it takes longer for the water to heat up. Ideally, you want to have your water heater inspected and drained before the cold temperatures strike.
Again, working with a professional plumber who will look for signs of corrosion or rust is important. Reducing the water heater temperature to prevent a potential failure is also a good idea.
Get Leaks Fixed
This one is a given. You should never ignore leaking pipes, no matter what season you are in. Leaks can quickly escalate into bigger issues and damage other parts of your house.
Leaks are also more common during the cold months because of the ice and condensation that melts and freezes on a cycle as temperatures rise and drop. If this is allowed to continue, it can cause pipes to burst.
Even during winter, you should keep inspecting your bathroom and kitchen pipes to check for signs of leaks.
Know How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply
If a pipe does burst during winter, it is crucial to shut off the main water supply as fast as possible. This will minimize the water damage to your home. Locate the shut-off valve, often in the basement or crawlspace, so you know where to find it if something happens.
Check that the valve works properly. It should turn easily, but you should have it serviced if it does not.
A Plumber Can Help You Ready Your Home For Winter
Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing emergency during winter. For the best peace of mind, hire a professional plumbing company to inspect your home and pipes before winter arrives.
A plumber can help you insulate exposed pipes, test and fix your water heater if need be, and advise on what to do for small leaks and other visible damage.
With the help of a professional plumber, you can ensure your home is safe from damage during even the coldest of Colorado’s winter days.
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