Winterizing a home involves specific steps to protect the house from the conditions commonly experienced during winter. The exact steps of winterizing the plumbing will vary depending on the features and design of the home and if the location is vacant during freezing weather. Homeowners may need to perform some tasks every fall. Other winterizing steps are one-time processes, like installing insulation. All upgrades to protect and winterize should undergo an annual inspection and get updated or maintained as needed.
PROTECTING EMPTY HOMES DURING WINTER
Summer homes and other houses expected to remain vacant through the winter need extra protection when temperatures drop. Many of these houses remain unheated or have minimal heating throughout the winter season to conserve energy. Power outages that can occur without anyone around to protect the home make it even more critical to winterize the location adequately.
The exposure to below-freezing temperatures requires the owner to have all plumbing lines drained to prevent ice from forming in the pipes and causing a broken line. Draining all the water should include the water lines in appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators.
Turning off the main water line to the house prevents additional water from entering the system. Drain the toilet bowl and tank by flushing it until emptying both. A specific antifreeze poured into the tank will protect it if some water remains inside. At Garrett Mechanical, we use a propylene glycol formula for the homes of our Marietta, GA, clients. It is non-toxic and safe for plumbing and wastewater systems. Pouring some of the same antifreeze into drains will also prevent any water remaining in the trap from freezing.
WINTERIZING HOME EXTERIOR PLUMBING
Turn off and empty/drain the water from all outdoor water faucets. Remember to unhook, drain, and store any garden hoses inside the house where they will remain safe from all the winter elements. Shutting off and covering exterior faucets can provide additional protection from freezing and any damage from rain, sleet, or snow.
Sump pump discharge hoses exposed to the elements can also freeze and prevent the system from removing water from the basement. Covering or insulating the exposed hose, or burying it below the frost line, can prevent freezing. At Garrett Mechanical, we can help redesign the sump pump layout if the issue happens inside the basement instead of the exterior discharge line. Insulating the plumbing lines and the area around the sump pump may stop the problem.
Sprinkler systems also need protection during winter. Turn off the water to the system, open the valves, and drain the lines and the backflow system. Blow all remaining water out of the lines and store any pumps in a sheltered area. Some sprinkler systems may need additional insulation through the winter.
PROTECTING ALL VULNERABLE WATER PIPES
Most plumbing lines installed inside heated and well-insulated homes do not experience problems with freezing during the winter. Despite the age or condition of the house, vulnerable areas can exist. Additional winterizing steps for these at-risk pipes can reduce the possibility of water damage over the winter.
Plumbing lines vulnerable to freezing can include those in a garage or workshop where the inside temperature is kept low. Other possible concerns are interior pipes that lead to outdoor plumbing and pipes that run within exterior walls. Exterior walls that do not have shelter from the wind have an even higher risk of freezing. Other concerns are pipes in crawlspaces and drafty, unfinished basements.
In the areas of the home where freezing can occur, the homeowner can protect the lines by having Garrett Mechanical insulate the pipes. Insulating the pipes involves wrapping vulnerable water or drain lines in an insulating material designed for this purpose.
PLUMBING SAFETY DURING POWER OUTAGES
Power outages can sometimes accompany winter weather events. During an outage, the interior temperature can drop enough to make plumbing vulnerable to freezing. Opening cupboards and vanity doors to expose the plumbing under the sinks to the warmer air in the room can help reduce the chance of frozen pipes.
Placing portable heaters near these areas can also help. Do not put heaters inside the cabinets because of the fire risk. Wrap exposed pipes that do not have access to warmer room temperatures in blankets or heavy towels until the power returns.
Running water does not freeze as quickly as standing water, so consider turning on the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. Turning on the cold water tap in these rooms to produce a trickle of water will often provide enough protection to prevent a frozen pipe.
Extended power outages may require homeowners to shut off the water main and drain the lines. Lengthy power outages increase the risk of frozen pipes. Some water will remain behind and could freeze, but the amount left in the lines will not be enough to cause the pipes to burst. The minimal freezing will resolve when the heat returns and water flows through the pipes again.
PROTECTING MOBILE HOME PLUMBING
Mobile homes have a higher risk of frozen pipes because the lines are more exposed to the exterior air temperatures than those in a basement or crawlspace. Consider installing plumbing insulation on all pipes underneath the structure. If freezing continues, many owners prefer to install heat tapes. Also, you’ll need to have an annual inspection of the heat tape and electrical cables used for the device performed in the fall to reduce the risk of any shortages or fires. Never cover the heat tape with insulation or any other material.
ADDITIONAL WINTER PLUMBING TIPS
Homeowners should always know where to find the main shut-off valve for their water system. If a pipe breaks or there is any other plumbing emergency, a lot of water can flood the home before an emergency plumber can arrive. The plumbers at Garrett Mechanical will happily show the homeowner where the shut-off is and how it operates if needed.
Installing insulation on hot water lines and a wrap on the water heater is as beneficial for energy savings as it is to prevent frozen pipes. Insulating helps the water remain warm in the water heater and keeps it warm as it runs through the lines to the tap. Keeping the lines and the water warm lowers the energy needed to produce more warm water.
GET HELP WINTERIZING YOUR PLUMBING
Winterizing the plumbing in a home protects more than the pipes. Broken pipes can cause damage throughout the house. At Garrett Mechanical, we can inspect the plumbing in your home in Marietta, GA, determine any vulnerabilities the house may have and help correct them. We are also proud to offer heating and AC installation, repair, and maintenance services as well as electrical work. You can also count on us to provide emergency repair services when needed. You’ll appreciate that our technicians and plumbers are certified, highly trained, and honest.
Contact Garrett Mechanical today to schedule an appointment to begin winterizing your home.
