During the winter months, it’s common for many homeowners to prioritize their own comfort and safety. As a result, they may overlook their plumbing system’s needs — which can lead to a frozen or burst water pipe.
Is your plumbing system capable of handling frigid conditions? Here in Dallas, TX, the weather can be unpredictable — and cold temperatures can seemingly appear out of nowhere. It’s vital that your water pipes and fixtures are prepared for any unexpected wintery weather. Fortunately, we’re here to help with five winter plumbing tips!
Preventing plumbing problems is easier than you might think. Let’s discuss some of the best plumbing tips for winter that homeowners can benefit from without wasting any more time.
Remove & Store Outdoor Hoses
When checking off these winter plumbing tips, don’t neglect your outdoor faucets! You’ll want to properly disconnect and store your outdoor hoses so they don’t accidentally cause a plumbing disaster. The water inside your hoses can freeze when temperatures drop to a certain temperature, potentially damaging your plumbing.
Luckily, learning how to prepare hoses for winter isn’t too difficult. Simply shut off the water to your outdoor faucets, disconnect the hoses from their spigots, and drain them of any leftover water. You should store your hoses in a safe place, such as your shed, so they’re ready for the next season.
Turn on the Heat
It’s no secret that heating a home can get expensive. If you’re trying to save money on your monthly heating bill, you might be tempted to lower your thermostat and stock up on blankets. However, you should avoid setting your thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as doing so could increase the chance of your pipes freezing.
Maybe it goes without saying, but keeping your home warm is one of our top plumbing tips for winter. Not only will your household stay cozy, but your plumbing system will thank you.
Check Your Pipe Insulation
Are the water pipes in your home sufficiently insulated? If not, they could be at risk of freezing. Out of all the winter plumbing tips on this list, checking your pipe insulation is one of the most important. Poor, inadequate insulation could lead to a burst pipe — which is a problem that requires a costly repair.
Start by inspecting the water lines along the exterior walls and in the unheated areas of your home. These areas can include attics, garages, and crawl spaces. You might not realize it when you invest in more insulation, but this simple task can help keep a pipe from freezing.
Open Your Sink Cabinets
Now, you might be wondering what to do with water pipes in winter besides upgrading your insulation. The excellent news is that there are many other steps you can take. For example, you can open the cabinets beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks!
Consider keeping your kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open when temperatures drop outside. This simple task will allow hot air to circulate through the cabinets and envelope the potentially cold pipes. As a result, you can keep the water flowing and prevent freezing.
As you can see, many useful plumbing tips for winter revolve around your water pipes. The more precautions you take to protect your pipes, the better prepared they’ll be for the unpredictable winter weather. Let’s discuss one other tip that will help safeguard your water lines.
Let Your Faucets Drip
During extremely cold weather, you should consider letting your faucets drip. Even the smallest trickle of water can help prevent your pipes from freezing. You don’t have to use hot water to get the job done — cold water will work just fine.
Be Smart With Your Garbage Disposal
It’s a bad idea to dump food leftovers and grease down your drain at any time of the year — but especially during the winter. When you pour grease down the drain, you think it will flow into the sewers with no problem since it’s a liquid. However, because the interior of your pipes will be colder, this grease will solidify very quickly and can create a stubborn drain blockage.
Do you want to prevent a frustrating drain clog? First and foremost, you’ll want to be smarter when using your garbage disposal. Try throwing food scraps in the trash whenever possible, and only use your garbage disposal with foods you know it can handle.
Are you already dealing with a clogged drain? If so, consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning with Tempo. During one of these services, your Tempo drain cleaning specialists will thoroughly clean your drain and remove any debris clogging it. You might be tempted to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain instead of contacting a professional plumber, but this solution might not work for all drain clogs.
Schedule Plumbing Repairs With Tempo Air!
Hopefully, these plumbing tips for winter will help protect your water pipes and fixtures during the coldest months of the year. If you need help with your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact Tempo Air for assistance!
We are a full service plumbing contractor that specializes in everything from water heater repairs to drain cleaning. So whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain or a leaking water heater in Frisco, TX, or the surrounding area, we have a solution you can trust.
Now that you’ve learned a few helpful winter plumbing tips, don’t wait to get your home’s plumbing in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
