Knowing how to winterize home plumbing is essential to protect your home from the cold, especially in places like Pelham and Anniston, AL, where temperatures can drop unexpectedly. But what exactly does plumbing winterization mean, and why is it so important?

When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, which can lead to cracks, bursts, and costly water damage. Winterizing your pipes helps prevent this by preparing both your indoor and outdoor plumbing systems to withstand freezing temperatures. This is particularly critical if you’re planning to leave your home for an extended period, like snowbirds who head to warmer climates for the winter. The key is to minimize the amount of water in your pipes so there’s less risk of freezing and damage.

Not sure if your pluming is ready for winter? Call our plumber in Anniston for expert insights! We’ll be happy to check over everything for you so you can have peace of mind!

How to Winterize a Plumbing System

Whether you’re prepping your home in Pelham or Anniston for the winter or just want peace of mind, here are some steps you can take to make sure your plumbing is protected. Following these guidelines will help prevent any nasty surprises when temperatures drop.

Steps to Winterizing Interior Plumbing

Turn Off the Main Water Valve: Start by shutting off the main water supply. This valve is usually found where the water enters your home – often in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. Once it’s off, open all the faucets to drain the system.

  – Pro Tip: If your home has multiple levels, start draining from the lowest faucet to use gravity to your advantage.

Adjust Your Water Heater: Set your Anniston water heater to its lowest setting, or if it has a ‘vacation mode,’ use that. This will prevent the water in the tank from freezing, and you won’t have to worry about relighting the pilot light when you get back.

Flush Toilets: After draining the system, flush all your toilets to remove any remaining water.

   – Pro Tip: Pour a bit of antifreeze into the toilet bowl and tank to keep seals lubricated and prevent them from drying out.

Prep Your Drains: Pour antifreeze into any drains, including sinks, tubs, and showers, to prevent the water in the traps from freezing.

Leave the Heat On: Even if you’re leaving, keep your heating in Anniston set to at least 55°F to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors: Keep the cabinet doors open under sinks, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. This lets warm air circulate around the pipes.

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Cover any exposed pipes with insulation sleeves, especially those in unheated areas or along exterior walls.

Keep the Garage Door Closed: A closed garage door will help block out cold air that could reach pipes on nearby walls.

   – Pro Tip: Add a rubber strip to the bottom of the garage door to help seal in warmth.

Steps to Exterior Plumbing Winterizing

Don’t forget about the outside! Exterior plumbing is just as vulnerable to cold weather, so here’s what you can do to keep it safe:

Shut Off External Water: Find the valves that control the water to your outside hose bibs and shut them off. Open all the outdoor taps to drain any water left in the lines.

Disconnect All Outdoor Hoses: Remove and store any garden hoses. If water stays in the hoses, it can freeze, expand, and cause damage to the hose bib and pipes.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris to prevent ice buildup, which could cause water to back up into your home.

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Check your home’s exterior for any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Sealing these areas will help keep cold air out and prevent your pipes from freezing.

Be Prepared for Winter

The pipes most at risk of freezing are those on exterior walls, in unheated areas, and any that are uninsulated. Starting with these will give you the best protection.

If you’re not sure how to winterize your plumbing or need some help, don’t hesitate to contact Dunn’s HVAC. Whether you’re in Pelham or Anniston, we’re here to make sure your home is ready for winter, inside and out.