The Importance of Proactive Home Winterization
Ignoring the signs of winter can lead to serious and costly consequences. Cold temperatures can cause water in exposed pipes to freeze and expand, leading to burst pipes that cause extensive water damage. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to basement flooding. By taking the time to winterize your home, you are not just preventing damage—you are investing in your home’s longevity and efficiency. A properly winterized home can also help you reduce your energy usage and lower your utility bills.
8 Essential Steps for Winterizing Your Home’s Plumbing
There are several key ways homeowners can prepare for the Kitsap peninsula’s winter challenges. Follow these expert tips to safeguard your home’s plumbing:
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Insulate Exposed Pipes: This is one of the most critical steps. Any pipes located in unheated areas, such as a garage, basement, crawl space, or even under your kitchen sink, are vulnerable to freezing. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or apply heat tape. This simple, affordable measure can prevent a catastrophic pipe burst.
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Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature: While it may seem like a good way to save money, turning off your heat at night or when you leave can be a dangerous gamble. Allowing indoor temperatures to drop too low—especially below 55°F—significantly increases the risk of pipes freezing. Keep a steady, low-level heat running to protect your plumbing.
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Disconnect and Store Outdoor Hoses: Before the first hard freeze, be sure to disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Turn off the water supply to these faucets from inside your home, then open the spigot to drain any remaining water. Store the hoses in a shed or garage to prevent damage from freezing.
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Blow Out Sprinkler and Irrigation Lines: Neglecting your sprinkler system can lead to burst lines and expensive repairs in the spring. Drain and use a compressor to blow out any water from your sprinkler lines. If you’re unsure how to do this correctly, a professional plumber can perform this service for you.
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Flush and Service Your Water Heater: Winter cold means added reliance on your hot water system. To ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. This not only improves performance but also extends the life of your unit. Consider scheduling professional water heater maintenance to get it checked by a licensed plumber before the peak season.
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Test Your Sump Pump and Prepare for Floods: Our winters often bring heavy rain. If your basement or crawl space is prone to flooding, a functional sump pump is your first line of defense. If you have one, test it now to confirm it’s working properly. If you don’t, consider a professional sump pump installation to protect your home from serious water damage.
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Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve: In the event of a plumbing emergency, every second counts. Knowing the location of your home’s main water shutoff valve and how to operate it can save you from thousands of dollars in water damage. Make sure every adult in your household knows where it is and how to use it.
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Fix Minor Leaks Before They Become Major Problems: Small drips or leaks often worsen under the stress of winter weather. Inspect your plumbing system, faucets, and pipes for any signs of an issue. Addressing these minor repairs now can prevent a major, expensive emergency later on.
When Winter Weather Strikes, Robison Plumbing is Ready
If, despite your best efforts, winter weather leaves you with a plumbing issue, don’t delay. Call Robison Plumbing for superior, professional service. Our highly trained team is available 24/7 for emergency services, offering on-site estimates and a commitment to no overtime fees. We’re proud to be backed by over 35 years of experience serving our neighbors across the Kitsap and Mason counties
Don’t let a plumbing emergency ruin your winter. Call us or contact us online today.
