Winterizing Your Plumbing

I realize that with the hot, humid summer we have had it's nearly impossible to imagine freezing temperatures, but it actually isn't that far away! Plumbing is especially vulnerable in cold weather and one of the first things that go wrong - and the last thing that you want to go wrong! It's better to get started now and get everything in your home ready for the winter season, then to wait until something goes bad and you're stuck in the middle of winter with no plumbing. As Benjamin Franklin so wisely said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."'

So, what kinds of things should you be taking a look at? Here's a list to get you started:

Insulate Exposed Piping
Any exposed water or drain piping in places like outside walls and crawlspaces need to be insulated before winter weather sets in. Leaving them uninsulated could mean that you will end up with frozen pipes when the temperatures drop, or even worse, the pipes could burst! And that means lots of extra time and cost to get these things working again.

Exterior Faucets and Spigots
Any outdoor faucets, such as hose bibbs, need to have the water supply turned off and also have the water drained from them. Insulated covers are also a good ideal.

Outdoor Water Lines 
Any outdoor water lines, such as outdoor bathrooms, irrigation systems, or sprinkler systems need to be blown out.

Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Any outdoor plumbing fixtures that will not be in use during the winter need to be winterized.

Water Heater
Last, but certainly not least, you should always have your water heather checked before winter sets in.

These are just some of the things that should be taken care of well before cold weather arrives. I am starting this month to schedule appointments for winterizing suggestions. If you would like to fill out the form on my Contact Page, I can set up a time to look at your property and together we can make a plan to get your home or business ready for the winter. Brrrr!