As the winter rolls in, we make preparations to be able to keep up the function of our daily lives. You may purchase bags of salt to help melt ice off your driveway or check your heating system to see if it will keep the house adequately warm through the next few months. Another thing you should do is make sure your plumbing system is ready for the winter.
At Hicks Plumbing, we have seen numerous customers get plumbing issues that stem from the icy conditions of winter. Our team has worked with these same customers to alleviate these issues and get their water and drainage system back into working order. Hicks is also among the top Reston plumbing services in the area, offering over 30 years of experience in full-service plumbing, including all repair, maintenance, and installation work.
Here are some tips we have for preparing your plumbing system for the winter:
Put Away Your Hoses
One of the first things you should do is remove your garden hoses from the outdoor water spigots around your home. If you otherwise leave them outside, the water left within them will freeze and expand, spreading into the spigot and the connecting pipes, and freezing the insides of those too. This can then lead to potential damage later, all for the simple misstep of leaving your hoses out during the harsh cold of winter.
Close All Shut-Off Valves
The next step you should take is to close each of the shut-off valves in your home. Most homes have the shut-off valves somewhere within their home’s ground floor or basement.
Once you’ve shut off the valves, drain the leftover water from all the water spigots outside. This will empty any water left in the pipes leading to your outdoor faucets after closing the shut-off valves.
Leaving them undrained will then lead to the water freezing up within your pipes and possibly causing leaks or bursts, which could then result in serious damage to your plumbing and home.
Seal Up Any Cracks and Holes
Next, examine any visible sections of drainage and plumbing in your home. Check if there are any leaks or cracks around them, especially your sink, tub, and shower, as you will still regularly use them through the winter.
If you find any damage, call a professional to make the necessary repairs. Moreover, in simpler cases that require only a little maintenance, you can simply purchase a sealant from your local hardware store and reseal the affected areas.
Fixing and sealing the various leaks and cracks will save your home from potential cold intrusion, thus protecting you from wasting energy on heating your home and from ice damage.
Keep the Pipes Warm
Finally, we also recommend that you do everything you can to keep your pipes warm during the winter to keep them from bursting from winter extremes. This can be done in a couple of different ways.
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- Keep your indoor temperature above 55 degrees throughout the cold months, which should be enough to keep both you and your pipes warm enough not to freeze over.
- Keep your pipes warm by installing as much insulation as possible over them.
Hicks Plumbing: Affordable, High Quality Reston Plumbing Services in Reston, Virginia
A home’s plumbing isn’t just connected throughout the inside, it’s also connected to the outside, meaning it is susceptible to the cold and the snow coming this winter. With the help of a professional from Hicks Plumbing, you can be assured that your plumbing will remain intact throughout the year. Our technicians provide the best Reston plumbing services, including drain cleaning, sump pump installation, water heater installation, and more. Our fast response and efficient service is how we prove our dedication to customer satisfaction. Contact us at (703) 803-7466 to schedule one of our quality plumbing services today.