As the temperature outside starts to drop, it’s important to start thinking about winterizing your home—including your plumbing system. Leaving your pipes unprotected against the cold can lead to all sorts of problems, from frozen and burst pipes to expensive repairs. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Follow these tips from a professional plumber to get your system winter-ready and avoid any disasters this season.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating pipes is one of the best ways to protect them from freezing. This is especially important for exposed pipes, such as those in your attic or crawl space. During the winter, these areas can get very cold, causing the water in your pipes to freeze. And once water freezes, it expands, leading to your pipes bursting. While you can find many DIY pipe insulation options at your local hardware store, it is best to search for a plumber near me to do the job for you. This is because insulating your pipes is not all about covering them up—it’s also about sealing any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air.
A professional plumber near me will know how to insulate your pipes properly so they are protected against the cold all winter. They’ll know exactly what type and thickness of insulation to use for your pipes and can ensure that the job is done properly.
Flush Your Water Heater
When the cold weather hits, it’s important to ensure that your water heater is properly winterized. You don’t want to go without hot water all winter long, do you? Of course not! So, before the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to look for a plumber near me to come and flush your water heater. This will help to remove any sediment that has built up over the years and could be causing problems.
Additionally, draining your water heater will also improve its efficiency. You may even see a decrease in your energy bill. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to get your system winter-ready, be sure to drain your water heater. You’ll be glad you did when the weather gets cold.
Check Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, now is a good time to check that it’s still in good working condition. A sump pump helps remove excess water from these areas of your home to prevent flooding and water damage. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, it could fail when you need it most— during a heavy rainstorm or snow-melting event—so it’s important to have it checked before the winter weather hits. Search for a plumber near me in Normal, IL to inspect your sump pump and ensure it’s in good working condition. This is one winterization task that you don’t want to overlook.
Install Frost-Free Hose Bibs
If you have an outdoor spigot for watering plants or washing cars during the warmer months, it’s important to install frost-free hose bibs before the first freeze of winter hits. Frost-free hose bibs have a valve that allows you to shut off the water supply to the outdoor spigot so that it doesn’t freeze and rupture over the winter months. With frost-free hose bibs, you won’t have to worry about your outdoor spigot freezing and bursting—shut off the water supply when you’re done using it for the season. While you may be tempted to install these, hiring a professional plumber near me in Normal, IL is always best. This is because they will know exactly how to install the frost-free hose bibs so that they work properly and don’t damage your plumbing system.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Did you know that your gutters and downspouts play an important role in your plumbing system? That’s right—if your gutters and downspouts are clogged, it can cause water to back up into your home, leading to several problems, including water damage. So, before the winter weather hits, search for a plumber near me to clean out your gutters and downspouts so that they’re ready for the heavy rains and snowmelt of wintertime. They can also install gutter guards to help keep them clean throughout the season.
Install a Pipe Heating Cable
Another way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to install a pipe heating cable. This cable runs along the length of your pipe and emits heat, keeping the pipe warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Using the right cable for your particular type of pipe is important. A professional plumber near me is the best person to install a pipe heating cable because they will know exactly what type of cable to use and how to install it, so it works properly. Otherwise, if you try DIY, you might not use the right type of cable or install it properly, which could lead to your pipes freezing and bursting.
Winterize Your Irrigation System
If you have an irrigation system, it is time to winterize it. An irrigation system can be a great asset to your home, but it can be a liability if it’s not properly winterized. That’s because if water freezes in the pipes, it can cause them to burst. To avoid this costly repair, search for a plumber near me to winterize your irrigation system. They will drain the pipes and add antifreeze to protect your system all winter long.
Looking for a Plumber to Implement the Above? Call Us!
If you are looking for a plumber near me in Normal, IL to help you get your home winter-ready, call us today at Covenant Plumbing! Our plumbers are experts at helping homeowners prepare their homes for the winter weather. We can install frost-free hose bibs to winterize your irrigation system. We will also do a complete inspection of your plumbing system to ensure everything is in good working condition. So, don’t wait—call us today to schedule an appointment!
