Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter Weather

When you’re preparing for winter, plumbing may not always be your first concern. But keep in mind that the freezing temperatures we see every year in Colorado can wreak havoc on your home’s pipes. Every fall you should make sure your plumbing is ready for winter. If you forgot to do so, it’s better late than never.

Protect Exposed Pipes

Pipes located in areas of your home that aren’t heated, such as the basement or attic or outside, can easily freeze. These pipes can be insulated by several methods using supplies available at major hardware stores or online. Plumbers have experience fitting these products to particular pipes for better protection.

Tend to Hoses and Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor fixtures are especially vulnerable to low temperatures. Any hoses attached to outdoor faucets should be drained and detached before a freeze. Coil them up, and store them inside if possible. You should also insulate your outdoor hose bibs so that they won’t crack.

Keep Your Heater Healthy

If your heater fails, your home can become a miserable place for you and your family. But there’s an additional danger to your indoor plumbing. This is why heater maintenance is recommended before winter. If you didn’t get seasonal heater maintenance in the fall, it’s better to have it done during winter than not at all. The next cold snap could be the one that causes problems.

Let Some Faucets Drip

There may be a faucet or shower in your house that you don’t use very often, maybe in a guest area or garage. The pipes attached to them may contain some stagnant water, which is likely to freeze when temperatures drop. Allowing them to run a little bit keeps that water moving.

Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, check it periodically, especially before or during winter. Test it out by pouring water on it and seeing how well it pumps it out. If it’s not working well, make sure it’s seated correctly and all the components are connected. If you’ve experienced freezing temperatures, check to see if the drain hose contains frozen water. Don’t be afraid to call a professional if you need help. That sump pump needs to stay operational to protect against flooding if a pipe bursts, which low temperatures can cause.

Bump Up The Thermostat

The pipes inside your house are not designed for outside temperatures, so make sure to use your heater and thermostat to maintain regular temperatures inside your house, even if you’re away. Some newer thermostats let you check and adjust your home’s temperatures through an app on your phone. Keep the indoor temperature at 55°F at the lowest. This will keep those interior pipes from freezing.

The team at Allen Service has been servicing Fort Collins homes for over five decades. Owners and brothers, Mike and Jeff Allen are the third generation of the Allen family to run the business. They carry out the tradition of delivering excellent customer service and high-quality parts for all plumbing, heating, and air conditioning projects to your home. When you work with Allen Service, you are working with the best!