Winterizing plumbing is an essential step for many people who live in colder states who face harsh winters. Without winterized pipes the freezing temperatures will cause them to freeze and burst. This problem will lead to extensive damage and very costly repairs. This article will address when residents in Colorado should winterize their plumbing and the steps to do so.
When Should I Winterize My Plumbing?
Winterized pipes are a safety precaution to ensure that your home is well taken care of throughout the cold winter. Let’s take a look at when you should get started on this project.
In The Fall
As seasons change, so do the needs of our homes. Winterizing pipes requires many steps and we recommend starting your checklist at the beginning of the fall. Some winters are harsher than others and freezing temperatures may catch us off guard quicker than usual. For your own safety, we do not recommend putting off these tasks on the back burner.
Before Going On An Extended Vacation
Some residents of Colorado choose to spend their winters in warmer climates like Florida, California, or Arizona. However, you cannot just pack your things and leave for a full season. You must prepare your home for the period of vacancy. There is nothing worse than to return home to a plethora of plumbing problems that will drain your finances. Winterized pipes must take priority as you prepare to leave for your warm destination.
How to Winterize Your Pipes
Here is a checklist of how to winterize your pipes. If you feel overwhelmed by this process, feel free to contact your local plumber such as One Source Home Services who have winterized pipes for many years.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is turned on to the lowest temperature that will prevent the pipes from freezing. Setting your thermostat to 50-55 degrees is the first step to winterized pipes and will keep them warm enough from freezing.
Shut Off the Main Water Valve
Find the main water valve and shut it off before leaving. Doing so will ensure that no water enters your pipes while you are gone. The valve is usually a single handle that connects the entire water system and is responsible for water control and pressure.
Open All Faucets
After you have shut off the main water valve, open all the faucets and make sure that all excess water drains from your pipes. This ensures that all water is completely out of your faucet and pipes. It will prevent pipes from freezing and ensure that you have winterized pipes while you are out of the state during the winter months.
Clean the Gutters
Another important step to ensuring that you have winterized pipes, is to clean all the gutters. Clear out any debris in the gutter drains and make sure that the piping is clean as well. This step is very important because while you are going to be away, rain will drip through those pipes and may get stuck in the debris. If temperatures drop, that water will get stuck and create an ice blockage. We all know that clogged pipes eventually burst as a result of the freezing temperatures and that will be a terrible situation to return to at the end of winter.
Shut Off Your Gas Line
Winterized pipes are important for ensuring the safety of your home. For this step you will require professional assistance. Whether you have a propane or natural gas tank, it is important to shut off the main gas line. This will prevent the gas from entering your home and will eliminate and reduce the risk of accidental release. Releases of gas can generate explosions in the winter months. If you shut down your home’s gas line prior to leaving for the winter, you will mitigate such awful risks. We want to encourage you to contact a professional to do this step for you as it has to be done properly and safely.
Contact One Source Home Service Today!
The process to achieve winterized pipes is very lengthy and in most cases, it should be done by a professional technician such as the ones at one source home service. We offer round the clock service to the residents of Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today by calling (719) 204-1809.