Winter can be quite tough in Colorado. This is especially true when you think about your home’s plumbing system. If you don’t make the right preparations, chances are high that you will have to deal with issues like frozen pipes, leaks, and costly repairs.
Since you don’t want such challenges, it makes sense to be ready. Fall is an excellent time to prepare for the coming colder days. By taking the right proactive measures, you can eliminate major headaches likely to be experienced once winter sets in.
This article gives a practical fall checklist that you can follow to prepare your plumbing for winter.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Plumbing Checklist For Winter Season
This is one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent damage during the colder days. It works because areas like basements and crawlspaces are usually vulnerable to freezing conditions. Therefore, by wrapping water lines with insulation, you are able to ensure stable temperatures. This goes a long way in ensuring water flows freely. This will be possible even during deep freezes.
This might seem like a small investment at first. However, it does an excellent job of reducing the risk of costly bursts. It also leads to better energy efficiency. This is achieved by minimizing heat loss.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Disconnect Hoses
You don’t want to leave water flowing in outdoor faucets. This is a wise move because water left inside can freeze and expand. Once it does this, it can end up causing costly water damage or leaks. This is especially likely to happen after it thaws.
Since you don’t want such a problem, you need to take the right action. Start by turning off the outdoor water supply. This should be done from inside the house. Afterward, open each faucet to allow any remaining water to flow out.
The next thing to do is to remove and store garden hoses in a dry place. This helps reduce the chances of cracking and mold buildup.
Service Your Water Heater
Before winter arrives, it’s important that you service your water heater. This is crucial as it ensures it’s able to run smoothly during the cold months.
The first thing you need to assess here is sediment buildup. This is because it has the potential to reduce heating efficiency. It can also lead to significant damage. Since such shortcomings can be quite expensive to fix, you need to flush the tank. You also have to check the pressure relief valve and test the thermostat. Make sure that they are all functioning before the cold days start.
Check for Leaks and Seal Gaps
It’s crucial that you also check that there are no leaks or openings that could let in cold air. This might not look important when it comes to plumbing but it has a huge impact. Unsealed areas can allow freezing air to reach water lines. Once this happens, it ends up increasing the risk of cracking or bursting when temperatures drop.
To avoid this, consider doing a quick analysis. Check under sinks or around outdoor connections. You also need to look at areas near walls where pipes enter or exit your home. In case of any issues, consider getting a sealant to close those gaps.
Consider a Professional Plumbing Inspection
For the best possible protection, it’s wise that you do a professional inspection. Specialists have the experience and expertise to spot even small issues that often go unnoticed. Some of these include minor leaks or worn seals. They are also able to know whether your water heater is operating optimally.
In addition to this, they assess insulation and check outdoor fixtures. They do everything possible to make sure the system is ready to handle freezing conditions.
This proactive step helps prevent winter damage. On top of this, it allows your plumbing to operate more efficiently. This ends up saving you a lot of money and stress during the cold days.
Colorado winters can be quite brutal on your plumbing system. This is especially true if you don’t do the right preparations. To ensure you are on the safe side, you need to take proper measures. Actions like inspecting, insulating, and maintaining can make a huge difference.
Looking for expert help to make your plumbing winter-ready in Colorado? Consider partnering with Bear Creek Plumbing. We are here to make sure your system runs smoothly. This is no matter how old it gets. Consider scheduling a fall check today and head into winter with confidence.
