How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Winter Now

Summer is creeping to an end, and before you know it, winter will be here. Winter is the worst season for your plumbing fixtures. The cold temperatures can cause water in the pipes to freeze, leading to your pipes potentially cracking or bursting. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of your pipes freezing this winter, and now is a great time to get started with these tasks. This ensures your plumbing will be ready as soon as the cold weather hits. Here are a few things you can do now to prepare your home's plumbing for winter. 

Have Your Pipes Cleaned

One of the ways that you can prepare your plumbing for winter now is to have your pipes cleaned. Many people think that they should only have their pipes cleaned when the pipes slowdown or there are frequent clogs. However, this is not true. Shampoos, soaps, and grease can all sit in your pipes, causing them to slowly narrow. This causes water to travel a bit more slowly through the pipes.

In the winter months, water traveling slowly is what can lead to water freezing. Cleaning your pipes at the end of summer or in the fall can help water flow quickly through your pipes, preventing freezing. 

Inspect Plumbing Fixtures for Cracks and Damage

Before cold weather hits, take the time to inspect your plumbing fixtures for cracks and damage. This includes your hose spigot and bib, your water heater tank and the pipes underneath your sink. If there are cracks present, water can seep out of these cracks and freeze. This increases the odds of the pipe internally freezing as well, which can lead to your pipe bursting. If any damage or leaks are noticed, have them repaired promptly. Inspecting them now gives you time to have repairs made before it gets cold out. 

Insulate Your Pipes

Lastly, take the time to insulate all of your pipes and plumbing fixtures that are located outside and in the garage. If they are already insulated, check the insulation for rips or pest damage. Replace the insulation as needed. Insulating outdoor plumbing and pipes helps to keep them warmer, which reduces the odds of them freezing in cold weather. 

Winter can be harsh on your plumbing. But it does not have to be. Having your pipes cleaned, inspecting your fixtures for damages and having them repaired and insulating your plumbing now can all pay off when the cold weather hits. If you do not have time to complete these tasks yourself, a plumbing contractor can help you by calling local businesses or checking out websites like http://www.cblucashvac.com. Contact a service today to schedule your appointment for plumbing services. 


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