How to Winter-proof your Plumbing

Winter is fast approaching, but is your plumbing ready for the icy cold that comes with it? Frozen pipes can lead to hiccups in your access to water and expensive and time-consuming repairs. This can be circumnavigated with the proper preventative measures. Read on for a quick look at how to winter-proof your plumbing from the cold winter weather.

Shut off the main water valve

The first step you can take is to shut off the main water valve. Follow this up by shutting off your water pump and water heater as well. This will keep the water heaters heating elements from sustaining damage due to an empty water tank.

Open every drain valve and tap in your home

For this step, a check-off list of every tap and drain is recommended. It is important that you open every one because a tap left unopened can cause a vacuum that will retain hot water in your pipes. These valves should be left open for the remainder of the winter.

Make sure your hot water tank valve is open

Open your hot water tank’s valve and let it drain until completely empty. If your tank doesn’t have a floor drain, a garden hose can be used to divert the outflow outside.

Drain the holding tank

This is the tank that is used along with the water tank to create pressure. Additionally, antifreeze can be added to the jet pump case.

Flush the Toilets

This will remove any water left in the toilet tanks and bowls. If it is impossible to remove all of the water, antifreeze can be added to prevent your toilet from cracking.

Prevent freezing pipes

It isn’t always realistic to expect yourself to be able to protect every pipe, so instead identify the most vulnerable pipes first. These would be pipes located outside of walls and windows, pipes that aren’t already insulated, and pipes in areas that aren’t heated. Apply installation sleeves to the pipes. Make sure no gaps are left as the cold will affect the pipes in these areas.

Now that you know how to winter-proof your plumbing, consider celebrating with a new Kingston kitchen or bath fixture!