Certain precautions should be taken for the cold winter months to ensure that your plumbing system will still function without any problems. Not taking the right precautions could result in costly and potentially dangerous mishaps that could put the entire wellbeing of your home in jeopardy. Here are a few tips for keeping your plumbing running smoothly during the winter.

Wrap Pipes During Extreme Cold Spells

When temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for a prolonged period of time, it’s best to wrap your pipes to prevent them from bursting. Pipes that burst suddenly can cause major indoor flooding, extreme mold growth and other problems that can greatly compromise your home’s structure. Heat tape often works great as wrapping material for pipes, or you could also try using heat cables that are thermostatically controlled. Any cracks or other openings that might allow cold air to enter your pipes should be sealed thoroughly as well.

Drain Hard Water from Heater

If the water that you use in your home is hard, the buildup of sediment from this hard water can lead to the development of rust inside your water heater. Draining your water heater thoroughly can prevent this problem. You might also want to consider having your water heater replaced by plumbing experts who can install a new heater that will give you better performance while not being as prone to rust formation.

Disconnect Water Hoses

Any water hoses that stay attached to faucets could cause major plumbing problems when temperatures are freezing. These freezing temperatures can freeze any water inside a hose and cause the hose to expand. This freezing and expansion could wreak havoc on the faucet that a hose is connected to and result in additional plumbing problems.

Keep Outdoor Faucets from Freezing

In addition to disconnecting any attached hoses, there are other ways that you can prevent your outdoor faucets from freezing and hampering your plumbing system. A simple faucet cover often works wonders for preventing ice buildups in and around faucets. The outdoor supply valve should also be shut off to keep water that leads to your faucets from freezing. You can even invest in a frost-free faucet that’s designed to inhibit frost development naturally.

Winterizing your plumbing system is one of the smartest things that you can do for your home. Your home’s plumbing system doesn’t have to succumb to the hardships of winter if the right measures are in place.