The winter months are the worst time to have a plumbing emergency. With the wrong placement of water, you can turn the surface of your property into a skating rink, costing thousands of dollars to repair.   To avoid these most expensive repair jobs, we’ve got this list of preventative maintenance you can keep in mind. Here are five winter plumbing tips you need to know

Five Plumbing Tips To Prevent Expensive Winter Repairs

Tip #1: Remove Outdoor Hoses and Protect Outdoor Pipes

The most common mistake that people make is exposing their gear outdoors. In the cases of water protection, this includes your garden hoses and pipes.

Outdoor pipes lead directly back into your home, giving a place for the cold to travel. So your first step is to ensure that the lines are entirely shut down for winter.

If you have exposed piping outdoors, you can use a pool noodle or heat tape to cover it up. Whatever you use, ensure your pipes aren’t exposed to the cold and your hoses are stored in a dry place.

Tip #2: Maintain A Good Indoor Temperature

Once the outside is addressed, you can look inside to ensure you are meeting those pipe demands. Under the right conditions, your indoor pipes have just as much chance to freeze, increasing their potential to burst.

This starts by checking your thermostat and keeping it to a minimum of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). This temperature won’t typically cost your home much on heating, but it will prevent your pipes from experiencing lower temperatures.

If you have a room with consistent exposure to cold temperatures (like an outdoor basement), close the door and check it to ensure it is insulated. Sound insulation in your home will save you on heating bills and otherwise.

In the worst-case scenario, have a space heater ready for deployment to your basement.

Tip #3: Avoid Pouring Grease Down Your Drain

During the warmer months, grease has a habit of building up down your drain. Regardless of how much hot water you use, you won’t get all of it.

A sure-fire way to avoid having to deal with frozen grease chunks is not to pour grease down your drain. Instead, let it harden and throw it in the trash.

This act prevents the need for expensive plumbing repairs (like burst pipes) from hardened grease. It also will prevent you from dealing with the gross aftermath of greased-up lines.

Tip #4: Schedule A Professional Plumbing Inspection

Every few years, you should get in the act of having professional plumbers come to your home for an inspection. Much like going to the doctor’s, having a professional check your home ensures you remain safe.

If you’ve had one recently, double-check the pipes for any leaks or apparent corrosion. While professionals know what to look for long-term issues, you shouldn’t have to schedule an inspection more than once a year.

To ensure your home is ready for the winter season, contact our team of specialists if you suspect there might be a need for winter improvement.