Tops Five Tips To Winterize Home And Pipes

Winter is slowly encroaching the brisk days of fall and bringing with it colder and colder nights. These colder temperatures may be welcome by those who love the snow, but for your pipes it can be a nightmare. Preparing your home, and more specifically your piping, for winter is simple to do and necessary to protect the integrity of the system.

There are five easy things that can be done to winterize the plumbing in every home. First, consider the foundation of the home. If there are cracks and spaces in it, they will need to be sealed. The cracks in the foundation can allow cold air to enter under the home and be the possible cause to freezing or burst pipes.

Caulk and Seal Gaps

Using caulking is one such way to protect pipes from colder air. Smaller gaps can be easily and effectively sealed with caulk and will stop the flow of those colder winter temps. For precautionary measures, one should also know where the water main is so if any issues arise water can be turned off quickly.

Annual Maintenance is Essential– For Water Heaters Too

A second step that can be taken to ensure the plumbing of a dwelling is to have a yearly check done on the system. This will show if there are any leaks or breaks in the lines. Even the smallest of cracks can turn into a large issue if the temperatures get too cold. Be sure to have all issues fixed before the winter weather sets in.

Insulation is a Must

Third, insulate the pipes. Insulation will help to protect the plumbing lines from getting too cold. If the lines freeze pressure can build in the line causing breaks and larger plumbing issues. Foam insulation is best especially in areas where the pipes cannot get heat.

Have Your Furnace Checked

Fourth, have the furnace checked. Make sure that all of the duct work is stable with no air leaks. If the furnace must work harder, it is prone to breakdown. The furnace is necessary to heat the spaces where pipes are keeping them in working order.

Finally, consider on colder keeping a slow drip going in pipes near outside walls. If the pipes should freeze, this drip will prevent the build up of pressure in the line which is why pipes burst in winter time. The drip also allows for water to keep moving n the line. If the water moves, it will not freeze and pipes will continue working properly.

Winter is nearly here! To get the best advice on winterizing your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today.