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If you live in an area that gets cold during the winter months, you might need to consider winterizing your plumbing system. When the temperature drops it can create a multitude of problems if your plumbing is not properly prepared. Even during the fall when it is not that cold yet, extra rain can become as much of a problem. Not only does winterizing your home mean things like insulating your pipes, you also need to make sure that the outside of your home’s plumbing system is properly sealed. When the rest of your home is not working as efficiently as it should be, it can affect the efficiency of things you would have never thought of.

For example, if there are cracks in the exterior walls of your home allowing cold air to seep in and heat to get out, this is going to reduce the overall efficiency of your plumbing system. It will take more time and energy for the water to heat up, and you will have to raise the overall temperature to ensure that it does not get too cold.

When Should You Winterize Your Plumbing?

It is best to have a professional plumber come to winterize your plumbing system before the really cold temperatures arrive. Depending on where you live and the climate of that year, this could be as early as September or as late as December. It is important to remember that while the air might not be freezing yet, the last thing you want is to put this project off for so long that an unexpectedly cold night freezes your pipes.

What Can a Plumber Do to Winterize Your Home?

Have Your Pipes Insulated

As winter is approaching, it is important to evaluate whether or not you need your pipes insulated. When you insulate your hot water pipes you reduce the amount of heat that is lost throughout the colder months. This means that you can lower the overall water temperature to save money and energy. Additionally, you won’t have to wait so long for the water to heat up when you turn on the faucet or showerhead, helping you save water.

Insulating your pipes is also a good preventative measure. When the temperature drops very low the water pipes in your house, especially ones that are close to an exterior wall, can end up freezing. When they freeze, the water will expand and this can cause the whole thing to burst. A burst pipe is a huge issue and can spill water into rooms in your home. Rather than dealing with a flood, you can insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing. You can insulate your pipes on your own, but hiring a plumber will ensure that everything is done correctly. The last thing you want to do is waste time insulating your pipes incorrectly and still end up with a flooded basement.

Fix Any Leaks in Your Outdoor Faucet

If you have an outside faucet that you connect to a hose, it is very important that you make sure there are no leaks before the winter comes. Although it might not seem like a big deal because it is outside, a leaky faucet can cause serious damage to your home. Frost can damage the faucet if it is leaking, and sometimes the cold winter air can cause it to leak. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, which will cost you more money in the long run, it is best to have a plumber do an inspection of the faucet to make sure any leaks are fixed before the winter comes.

About the author

This article is provided by Jenn Walker who is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.