360-499-6604 With cold winter temperatures in DuPont, Washington, homeowners need to winterize their home plumbing system to prevent frozen pipes. Winterizing your DuPont home’s plumbing system isn’t as complicated as you might think.
Luckily, we’re going to share a plumbing winterization guide to prevent frozen pipes in DuPont. Read on for G & G Heating’s plumbing winterization tips to prepare your system for the harsh, cold winter months.
Why Winter Plumbing Prep Matters in DuPont
DuPont, WA, experiences freezing temperatures throughout the winter season, making winter plumbing prep essential. Winter plumbing prep gives homeowners peace of mind that their homes are safe from plumbing emergencies.
The most crucial reason to winterize your plumbing system is to prevent frozen pipes in DuPont. Frozen pipes can lead to pipe bursting, which becomes a mess and a half. Trust us, preventing burst water pipes is worth it in the long run. Learn more about frozen pipes.
Burst pipes lead to water damage in your home and require costly emergency repairs. Additionally, prepping your plumbing for winter extends your system’s lifespan and saves you money.
Protecting Pipes Before Freezing Temperatures Hit
There are several steps you can take to winterize your plumbing system and prepare it for winter. Use these tips to prevent costly winter emergencies in your DuPont home:
Let Faucets Drip
One of the easiest ways to help prevent frozen pipes in DuPont is to let your faucet trickle slowly on frigid nights. Faucets that are connected to vulnerable pipes on exterior walls should be allowed to drip to prevent freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stationary water. Letting your faucets drip can help you avoid plumbing emergencies and costly repairs.
Prepare Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, and faucets must be properly winterized to protect them and prevent plumbing issues. Before winter starts, disconnect and drain outdoor fixtures to prevent water from freezing and causing damage. The only surefire way to avoid damage to outdoor fixtures is to disconnect and drain them before the season starts.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating vulnerable pipes is one of the most critical parts of winterizing your plumbing system. Unprotected pipes are left susceptible to freezing, which can cause cracks, leaks, or bursts. To insulate your pipes, use foam pipe sleeves to wrap them, providing a layer of protection from cold air. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics, to protect your pipes from extreme cold.
Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Faucets that are served by vulnerable pipes, such as those on exterior walls, can benefit from leaving the surrounding cabinet doors open. This is typically applicable for kitchen and bathroom sinks, in particular. By leaving the cabinet doors open, you allow warm air from your heating system to circulate around the pipes, keeping them nice and warm.
Seal Leaks or Cracks
If you have any leaky or cracked pipes, make sure to repair or seal them before winter. Leaky pipes can compromise your plumbing lines in cold temperatures. Inspect your pipes for cracks or leaks in the fall, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to help them perform their best. Sealing leaks and cracks stops cold air from entering the pipes and potentially freezing the water inside.
Keep Temperatures Consistent
Consistent temperatures are very important to preventing plumbing issues and frozen pipes. Be careful turning down the heat, even when you’re away, to avoid costly plumbing emergencies. A slightly higher utility bill will cost less than an emergency repair bill for a burst pipe.
Common Winter Plumbing Issues and Fixes
What are some common plumbing problems that can occur during the winter? There are a handful of plumbing issues we commonly see during the winter season, including:
Frozen and Burst Pipes
One of the most common winter plumbing issues is pipes freezing and bursting at low temperatures. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage issues if not addressed promptly.
The fix: You can sometimes thaw frozen pipes at home using heating pads, hot towels, or a space heater. First, locate the frozen section by looking for visible signs its frozen, such as a bulge or frost. Then apply safe heat and wait for it to thaw. If you have a frozen pipe that bursts or your thawing efforts are unsuccessful, call a plumbing professional immediately.
Clogged Drains
Another common winter plumbing issue is clogged drains. This can be due to extra food waste and drain use from holiday gatherings. Clogged drains occur when grease, fat, or food scraps harden and get stuck in the pipes.
The fix: Try an at-home clogged drain solution like mixing baking soda and vinegar and pouring it down the drain, followed by hot water. If this isn’t enough to clear the clog, call a DuPont plumber for professional drain cleaning.
Water Heater Failures
Winter water heater failure can be a huge headache for homeowners. Lukewarm or inconsistent hot water can indicate water heater failure. Water heaters work extra hard during the winter to provide hot water to your home. Other signs your water heater is failing include rusty, discolored water, leaks around the tank, and strange noises.
The fix: You can try flushing the tank to remove sediment and improve efficiency. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call a plumber to address the issue.
Call G & G Heating for 24-Hour Plumbing Help
During the wintertime, it is imperative to have a working plumbing system for your home in DuPont. We hope this plumbing winterization checklist helps you prepare your plumbing for the colder months of the year.
If you need plumbing assistance for a frozen or burst pipe, don’t hesitate to give us a call at any time. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to customers in DuPont and other surrounding cities. Book a plumbing inspection today to prevent frozen pipes this winter!
