Winter is a season when we need to be more mindful and diligent with our plumbing. The winter months come with their own set of problems that can impact your home’s plumbing, such as frozen pipes and burst waterlines. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your plumbing until there’s a problem. By then, it may be too late!
As winter starts to set in, it’s important to take some time to prepare your home for the colder weather. One of the most important things is to make sure your plumbing is ready for the season.
Here are some tips to help you keep your plumbing safe and working all winter long.
Check your Faucets for Leaks
Faucets may develop leaks that lead to dripping or running water. Leaks can waste 50 gallons or more of water a day. Repairing a leak is easy to do and only takes an hour or two to replace the washers inside the faucet aerator.
Before calling a plumber, check the faucet for drips and any other signs of leaks if you see any, use tools like pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers to tighten the nuts or washers.
Keep an Eye Out for Frozen Pipes
While outdoor pipes are typically insulated, indoor plumbing can still crack and freeze. Always pay attention to any signs of cracking or frost along the pipes. If you spot any of these signs, get in touch with your plumber right away.
If you notice that your pipes are starting to freeze, make sure they are not left outside; instead, bring them inside the house and let them thaw out slowly. It is also a smart move to insulate your outdoor pipes during the winter months, keeping them warm enough to prevent freezing.
Drain any Standing Water Outside the Home
One of the best ways to protect your home from water damage during the winter is to drain any standing water outside the home. It can be done by clearing snow and ice from around your home’s foundation and ensuring that your gutters are clear of debris. You can also install drain spouts or extensions on your downspouts to help direct water away from your home.
Add Pipe Insulation
When the temperature starts to drop, it’s a good idea to add some insulation to your plumbing. It will help keep your water flowing and prevent your pipes from freezing.
There are a few different types of insulation that you can use: foam, fiberglass, or rubber. Foam is the most effective type, but it can be expensive. Fiberglass is less costly than foam, but it’s not as effective.
Clear any Snow Blockages
When the snow continues to pile up, it’s essential to keep the drains clear so that the water can flow freely. If the snow accumulates and blocks the drain, the water will start to back up and could cause damage to your home. You can clear the blockage by using a shovel to remove the snow, or you can use a garden hose to flush it out.
Run Hot Water through Sinks and Drains Periodically
One tip that can help improve drainage during the cold months is periodically running hot water through sinks and drains. If you have a slow drain, pour a pot of boiling water down them once a week. It will help loosen any food or hair that has been caught in the cracks.
Conclusion
If you don’t have any idea and time to prepare your plumbing, or if it’s too cold outside for you to do so, give Lynn’s Plumbing and Hvac Winnipeg. We’ll be happy to help get your plumbing ready for winter.
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Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
