As the cold weather approaches, it is crucial to take steps to protect your plumbing system from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes, burst pipes, and other plumbing issues, resulting in costly repairs and inconvenience. To help you prepare your plumbing for the cold weather, here are some essential tips to consider.

Shut off the outdoor water supply. If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outdoor water faucets, turn it off to prevent water from flowing to those faucets. Drain any remaining water from the pipes to avoid freezing. For added security, consider installing Frost-Free spigots and if you do not already have individual shut-offs for your outdoor faucets, these are always a great way to prevent any water from reaching the exterior in the colder months.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before winter sets in. Stagnant water in hoses can freeze and cause the connected faucets or pipes to burst. Store hoses in a dry place to prevent damage.

Let faucets drip. Allow a small, steady trickle of water to flow from faucets connected to op pipes that are prone to freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze, reducing the risk of pipe bursts.

Know the location of shut-off valves and make sure they work. A tremendous amount of damage caused by leaks from burst pipes could have been avoided if the shut-off valve to that fixture worked. Don’t feel alone, most people don’t know a valve needs to be replaced until it’s time to use it and that is more times than not, during an emergency. Get ahead of the game and familiarize yourself with the locations of the main shut-off valve and individual shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, and other fixtures and have them replaced if they do not easily turn in both directions.

Don’t forget to plan for vacations. If you’re going away this winter, always keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. Repairing a burst pipe (and the subsequent damage) will surely cost more than the cost of heat for a week or two! Consider installing a Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff for those longer trips or for just an added layer of protection and peace of mind.

Winterize your sprinkler system. Drain it and blow out any remaining water to prevent freezing and potential damage to the system.

Seal cracks and openings. Inspect the areas around pipes that enter your home for any gaps or cracks. Use caulk or insulation to seal them up to prevent cold air from infiltrating and freezing the pipes.

AS ALWAYS, IF YOU NEED OUR HELP WITH ANY OF THESE OR JUST NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE, FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 781-326-6004 OR SEND US A MESSAGE FROM THE MAIN PAGE.