Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most critical steps in winterizing plumbing is protecting any exposed pipes found around your home. Even though Texas winters aren’t as brutal as those in northern states, temperatures can still drop low enough to freeze pipes, especially those outside or in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, or attics. Insulated pipe sleeves, heat tape, and even foam rubber insulation can provide much-needed warmth for these vulnerable water pipes.
Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
In colder temperatures, water can expand as it freezes, potentially causing outdoor faucets and pipes to crack or burst. Protect your home (and your budget) from costly repairs by following these steps to shut off and drain outdoor faucets:
- Locate the Shut-Off Valve: Find the shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet. These are typically located inside the home near where the pipe exits the wall, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. Turn off the water supply to each outdoor faucet.
- Open the Faucet: Once the water is turned off, go outside and open the faucet fully. This allows any remaining water to drain out, preventing it from freezing in the pipes.
- Install a Faucet Cover: For added protection, cover each outdoor faucet with an insulated faucet cover. These are readily available at hardware stores and provide a layer of insulation against the cold.
Disconnect and Put Away Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses may be easy to overlook, but leaving them connected during winter can cause freezing within the pipes connected to your home. If the conditions get bad enough, you may end up with burst pipes and water damage on your hands. After disconnecting and draining any hoses, store them in a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.
Shut Off and Drain Sprinkler Systems
Many Texas homes have sprinkler systems to maintain lush lawns, but these systems need special attention during the winter months. Shutting off and draining your sprinklers is a key part of preparing your plumbing for winter. If you’re not confident in the process of winterizing your sprinkler system, reach out to a local professional for help.
Check for Leaks and Make Repairs
While preparing your plumbing for winter, take time to inspect your home for leaks or small plumbing issues. Cold weather can cause pipes to expand and contract, potentially aggravating minor problems and causing a host of issues.
Check under sinks, around toilets, and in any unheated areas where leaks might go unnoticed. A slow leak can turn into a burst pipe quickly in cold weather. To ensure you don’t miss a single thing, schedule a leak detection service and let our team put our advanced equipment to good use. Even if you only find a small leak, get it addressed before the winter weather rears its ugly head. The repairs are usually inexpensive and can save you from facing a major plumbing issue later. Our team at GEI will ensure any broken pipes are promptly dealt with.
Drain and Insulate the Water Heater
Taking steps to prepare your water heater for winter can extend its life and improve efficiency. Since these units are often stored in garages or utility rooms, they may be exposed to cold temperatures that force them to work harder. In this case, insulating and tuning up your water heater can reduce energy costs while enhancing the performance of the unit.
Before winter, drain your water heater to remove any sediment that could interfere with heating. Then, wrap your water heater in a specialized insulation blanket, which helps reduce heat loss and prevents the tank from overworking when temperatures drop.
Know Where the Shut-Off Valve Is
In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst or frozen pipe, you’ll want to act quickly. Knowing where your home’s main shut-off valve is located can prevent a plumbing disaster from escalating. It may be located in the basement, crawl space, or where the water line enters the home.
If you haven’t used the valve in a while, make sure it turns easily. Applying a little lubricant to the valve can make it easier to turn in an emergency.
Drip Faucets on Very Cold Nights
If a particularly cold night is in the forecast, one way to prevent frozen pipes is to let faucets drip slightly. This keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing and relieving pressure that might otherwise build up and cause a pipe to burst.
Be sure to run the cold water instead of hot, as it’s less expensive and can help protect pipes better. Additionally, faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated parts of your home should be the focus of this method, as they’re most at risk.
Check Outdoor Drains and Gutters
Another aspect of winterizing plumbing that’s often overlooked is making sure that your outdoor drains and gutters are clear. Debris can clog these, leading to water pooling around your home and potentially freezing near your foundation or basement. Clear leaves, dirt, and any other debris from your outdoor drains and gutters.
Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter Right Now!
Preparing your plumbing system for winter might not seem like a top priority in Texas, but it can save you from costly repairs and unexpected plumbing issues when the temperature drops. By taking these steps to winterize your plumbing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything you can to prevent your water lines from freezing and leaving you with an unsightly mess.
If you’d like expert assistance with preparing your plumbing for winter, reach out to the experienced team at GEI Plumbing Services. We would be more than happy to ensure your system is ready to handle whatever winter brings. Contact us today for professional plumbing repair services that you can count on!