As winter approaches, it’s essential for homeowners to prepare their plumbing systems for colder temperatures to prevent costly repairs. Frozen pipes are a common issue in winter, and they can burst, causing water damage and requiring expensive repairs. A few proactive steps can help protect your plumbing and ensure a hassle-free season.
Start by insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Pipe insulation sleeves, heat tape, or even wrapping pipes in newspaper can provide protection against freezing temperatures. Be sure to disconnect garden hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Draining these pipes will help prevent water from freezing and expanding.
Inside your home, keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially if they’re located on exterior walls. On particularly cold nights, letting faucets drip slightly can prevent freezing by keeping water flowing through the pipes.
Finally, know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it in case a pipe does burst. Taking these steps can help you safeguard your home’s plumbing from the winter chill and avoid the headache of emergency repairs.
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