Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home's Plumbing System

The winter season can be hard on a plumbing system, but especially so if you are planning to travel during the cold season. It is important that you protect your plumbing system before your trip by winterizing it properly.

Insulate the Pipes

One of the best things you can do to winterize your home before going on a trip is to add more insulation to the pipes. While you can add insulation to all pipes, it is most important with pipes that are exposed and those that aren't close to any heating sources. For example, pipes underneath sinks are often exposed and should be insulted. You may also have some exposed pipes in the basement or outdoors that need insulation. Use fiberglass insulation tubes to wrap around the pipes, or get ones made from polyethylene. Your plumber can also provide tips for insulating them before the winter season.

Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources

Part of winterizing your home also includes heading outdoors to shut off the water sources. Make sure your sprinklers are turned off completely during the winter. You don't need them to water the lawn when it is below freezing and likely snowing frequently, and this extra water can cause the pipes to freeze. You should also do the same with other outdoor water sources, including outdoor sinks and faucets, as well as garden hoses. Your home may have a separate shut-off for external faucets, so keep that in mind.

Open Cabinet Doors

The main risk with your plumbing pipes during the winter is that they don't get enough hot water going through them while on vacation, so you risk having them freeze. When they are frozen, they can burst, which cause major issues. If you can open the cabinet doors to some of your pipes, you will be able to get a little more heat from the air. You want to open cabinet doors of all sink-based piping systems to get more heat flowing through the area.

Have the Plumbing System Inspected

If you aren't sure about the quality of your plumbing system, it is best that you have it inspected by professional plumbers before going on vacation. This can prevent a lot of issues with your plumbing, from frozen pipes, to having a major flood you come home to. Even if you shut off all your water supply when leaving, you are still at risk for plumbing issues when you return. It can also be helpful to leave the water supply tuned on and have a neighbor run warm water through the pipes every day.