Blog Guide to Winterizing Your Plumbing: Tips from Dutton Plumbing Sep 25, 2024

Winter is fast approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about protecting your plumbing from the cold weather. As the temperatures drop, your pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, causing costly damage to your home. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can winterize your plumbing and prevent any potential disasters. Follow these tips from Dutton Plumbing to keep your pipes safe this winter.

1. Insulate Your Pipes: One of the most important steps in winterizing your plumbing is to insulate your pipes. This can be done using foam pipe insulation, which can be found at your local hardware store. Wrap the insulation around your pipes, paying special attention to those that are located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or attics.

2. Seal any Air Leaks: Cold air can seep into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets, causing your pipes to freeze. Inspect your home for any drafts and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. This will not only help keep your pipes warm, but it will also improve the energy efficiency of your home.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Before the first freeze of the season, be sure to disconnect any outdoor hoses from their spigots. Drain the water from the hoses and store them in a warm, dry place. If left connected, the water in the hoses can freeze and back up into your pipes, causing them to burst.

4. Keep Your Home Warm: During particularly cold nights, it's important to keep your home warm to prevent your pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warm air circulate around your pipes.

5. Let Faucets Drip: If you're expecting extremely cold temperatures, letting your faucets drip can help prevent your pipes from freezing. Even a small trickle of water can keep the water flowing and reduce the risk of a pipe bursting. Focus on the faucets located along exterior walls or in unheated areas.

6. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection: If you're unsure about how to properly winterize your plumbing or if you have older pipes that are at risk of freezing, consider scheduling a plumbing inspection with Dutton Plumbing. Our experienced technicians can identify any potential issues and provide recommendations for keeping your pipes safe this winter.

By following these tips from Dutton Plumbing, you can rest easy knowing that your plumbing is protected from the cold weather. Don't wait until it's too late – take action now to prevent frozen pipes and costly damage to your home. If you have any questions or need assistance with winterizing your plumbing, don't hesitate to contact us. Stay warm and safe this winter!