BLOG Winterizing Your Home: Essential Plumbing Tips from A-Team Plumbing Services, Inc. Jun 28, 2024

Winter is almost here! As the cold weather approaches, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your home's plumbing system from potential damage. To help you prepare for the winter season, A-Team Plumbing Services, Inc. has put together some essential plumbing tips for winterizing your home.

1. Insulate Your Pipes One of the most important steps in winterizing your plumbing system is insulating your pipes. Exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold temperatures. To prevent this, consider wrapping your pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape. Focus on pipes in unheated areas such as the basement, attic, and garage.

2. Disconnect Exterior Hoses Before the first freeze hits, disconnect all of your exterior hoses and store them indoors. Water left in the hoses can freeze and expand, causing damage to both the hoses and the faucets they are connected to. Make sure to drain any remaining water from the hoses before storing them away.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks near pipes that could let cold air in. Use caulking or weather-stripping to seal these openings and prevent drafts. Pay special attention to areas where pipes enter your home, such as around windows, doors, and vents.

4. Keep Your Home Warm Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home can help prevent your pipes from freezing. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you're away from home. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warm air circulate around the pipes.

5. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before winter arrives, consider scheduling a plumbing inspection with A-Team Plumbing Services, Inc. A professional plumber can identify potential issues and make any necessary repairs or replacements to ensure your plumbing system is in top shape for the cold weather.

6. Know How to Shut Off Your Water In case of a plumbing emergency, it's important to know how to shut off your water supply. Locate the main shut-off valve in your home and make sure all household members know how to turn it off. This can help prevent extensive water damage in the event of a burst pipe.

7. Clean Your Gutters Clogged gutters can lead to water backups and ice dams on your roof, which can cause excess water to leak into your home. Before winter arrives, make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts to allow for proper water flow away from your home.

By following these essential plumbing tips from A-Team Plumbing Services, Inc., you can help protect your home from winter-related plumbing issues. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to safeguarding your plumbing system during the colder months. If you have any concerns or would like to schedule a plumbing inspection, don't hesitate to contact us. Stay warm and safe this winter!