How to Winterize a House Plumbing

As winter approaches, it’s essential to protect your home’s plumbing from freezing temperatures. Failing to winterize your plumbing can lead to frozen pipes, costly repairs, and unnecessary stress during the coldest months of the year. Here’s a guide to help you protect your plumbing system, but it’s always best to leave it to the experts, and Fante’s plumbing professionals are here to assist you every step of the way.

Why Winterize Your Plumbing?

Winterizing your plumbing is crucial to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to cracks or breaks in pipes. These issues often result in expensive repairs and water damage that can disrupt your daily life. By taking preventive measures, you can protect your home, save money, and ensure your plumbing system works efficiently throughout the season.

Steps to Winterize Your Home’s Plumbing

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Use foam pipe insulation to cover pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages. This helps retain heat and prevents freezing.

2. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then store them indoors. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. You can also install insulated faucet covers for extra protection.

3. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Check for drafts near pipes, especially around windows, doors, and walls. Use caulk or insulation to seal any gaps that might let in cold air.

4. Maintain a Steady Temperature

Keep your home’s thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away. This prevents pipes in your home from getting too cold.

5. Let Faucets Drip

In extreme cold, let a small stream of water drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

6. Check Your Water Heater

Inspect your water heater for proper function and insulate it with a water heater blanket to improve efficiency during the winter months.

7. Shut Off and Drain Unused Water Lines

If you have a vacation home or plan to be away, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining your pipes.

When to Call a Professional

While learning how to winterize a house plumbing system might seem straightforward, some tasks are best left to the experts. If you’re unsure how to locate or shut off water valves, have older pipes, a complex plumbing system, or need help draining or insulating hard-to-reach pipes, it’s time to call a professional. Let Fante’s plumbing professionals handle the job to ensure your home is fully protected from the cold winter weather.

Choose Fante’s to Winterize Your Home’s Plumbing

Our team has the knowledge and experience to ensure your plumbing is ready for winter. Whether it’s insulating pipes, draining systems, or providing peace of mind, we take care of it all. Don’t risk costly repairs from frozen or burst pipes. Trust our experts to help you stay ahead of the cold. Call Fante’s today at 1-609-445-2939 or contact us online, and we’ll ensure your home stays warm, dry, and protected all season long.