As you prepare for the upcoming cold season, prepare your plumbing for winter with the following strategies.
Winter is almost coming in Maryland. Is your home ready? Winter weather and freezing temperatures can be harsh on your plumbing. However, a few simple steps can protect it. As you prepare for the upcoming cold season, prepare your plumbing for winter with the following strategies.
Repair Plumbing Leaks
Leaving leaks during the winter is never smart. Despite the season, leaks add to wasted water and utility expenses. So, the sooner you address them, the better. Otherwise, the water will expand if the leaky area freezes in the winter. Unfortunately, this increases the size of the leak and the money you must spend for repairs.
Keep a Slow Dripping Faucet
Before you go to bed, turn on the faucet with pipes running with a slow drip if the temperature is below freezing. This keeps the water flowing, reducing the risk of freezing. It also safeguards against burst pipes if the water does freeze, preventing pressure from developing between the faucet and an ice formation.
Another way to prepare your plumbing for winter is to open the cabinets that hide your pipes. This will allow more heat to flow to them, preventing freezing. In particular, this is helpful for cabinets and pipes along exterior walls.
Disconnect Any Exterior Pipes
Disconnect exterior pipes by loosening the hose and shutting off the valve leading to the outside water spigot. This prevents water from running to external lines, where it can possibly freeze. In addition, it removes the risk of water lingering in the hose from damaging the faucet.
You may also add pipe insulation on the exposed pipes outside your home or basement. Wrap the pipes in insulation tubes made from polyethylene or fiberglass to add a protection layer against freezing. All unheated areas of your house that have pipes need pipe insulation.
Flush Your Water Heater
Over time, hard water provokes sediment buildup in the water heater. This sediment converts into rust, which you could cook or drink with. As you prepare your plumbing for winter, drain the water heater to eliminate some of the sediment. Also, consider purchasing a new water heater before it gets colder. You need to know you have reliable hot water when winter hits.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!