How to Winterize Your Plumbing System to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Winter’s coming soon, and here in Colorado that means freezing temps that can really mess with your plumbing. Frozen pipes are no joke, they can cause serious damage to your home or business and lead to expensive repairs and water issues. At Mile High Plumbing, Electric and Air we want to help you avoid all that hassle. Here’s a quick guide to winterizing your plumbing so you can keep things running smoothly during the cold season.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When the temperature drops below freezing the water in your pipes can freeze. When that happens the water expands and that builds pressure within your pipes. If an excess of pressure builds up the pipes can crack or burst, causing leaks or even flooding once everything thaws out. This usually happens in places like basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages where pipes are exposed to colder air.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Plumbing

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

First, check your property for any exposed pipes especially in places like the basement or attic. Wrap those pipes with insulation which you can easily find at your local hardware store. For extra cold spots consider using heat tape or cables to add warmth and keep pipes from freezing.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can sneak into your home or business through gaps around windows, doors and where pipes enter your property. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal those gaps. Don’t forget areas around vents, light fixtures or electrical wiring where cold air can still get in.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Water left in outdoor hoses is one of the biggest culprits for frozen pipes. Before the first freeze, disconnect and store all your hoses. After that, drain the water from outdoor faucets and shut off the water supply using the indoor shut-off valve. You might also want to throw some insulated covers over your outdoor faucets to keep them from freezing.

4. Drain Your Sprinkler System

If you’ve got a sprinkler or irrigation system it’s very important to drain all the water from the pipes before winter hits. Most systems have a manual drain valve or an automatic drain system. If you’re not sure how to do this check the manual or contact a professional. Our team of seasoned pros can tackle this project with ease!

5. Keep Your Home Warm

If you’re going out of town, keep your home or business at a comfortable temperature. Set your thermostat to at least 65°F to keep your pipes from freezing. Also, leave the cabinet doors under sinks open so warm air can circulate around those pipes, especially in colder rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Keeping doors open throughout the inside of your property will help spread the heat evenly, but be sure to close all exterior doors tight to prevent cold air from leaking in.

6. Let Faucets Drip

When it’s super cold outside let a small stream of water drip from any faucets connected to exposed pipes. Even a little trickle of water helps keep the pipes from freezing by reducing the pressure that can build up and resulting in a burst.

7. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

In case a pipe freezes and bursts, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can save you a lot of trouble. You’ll be able to quickly shut off the water to your house and stop any further damage until a plumber can get there.

Bonus Tip: Get a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Want extra peace of mind? You can always schedule a professional plumbing inspection before winter hits. At Mile High Plumbing, Electric and Air our expert technicians can take a look at your system and easily spot any potential problems to help you get everything set up to prevent frozen pipes this season.

Winterizing your plumbing system is one of the best ways to avoid the stress and the potential financial burden of burst pipes and water damage. By taking these simple steps you’ll keep your plumbing working smoothly all winter long. If you need a hand getting your property ready for the cold don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Mile High Plumbing, Electric and Air. Our experienced team is always ready to help keep your home or business safe and warm this winter.

Need Help Winterizing Your Plumbing? 

Give us a call at 303.859.0100 or visit our contact page to schedule an inspection or service. We’re here to help!