Winter can be harsh on plumbing systems, especially in colder regions like Geelong. And professional plumbing services here observe that freezing temperatures pose a significant risk of damage to pipes, leading to leaks, bursts, and costly repairs.
So, as homeowners, you must take the right preparation and winterising techniques to safeguard your plumbing system and avoid potential emergencies. So, in this blog, we collaborated with professional plumbing services to provide a comprehensive guide to help you protect your pipes during the colder months.
Why Is It Essential to Winterise Your Plumbing System?
Emergency plumbers in Geelong state winterising your plumbing system is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps prevent your pipes from freezing.
When temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst. This can lead to significant water damage to your property, resulting in costly repairs and inconvenience. However, professional plumbing services in the area note that you can minimise the risk of frozen pipes and avoid the potential havoc they can wreak on your home by taking appropriate measures beforehand.
Plumbing service professionals further observe that winterising your plumbing system contributes to long-term cost savings and the longevity of your pipes. Burst pipes not only cause water wastage but can also lead to high utility bills. You can conserve water and optimise the efficiency of your system by timely winterising your plumbing. It, in turn, significantly brings down your expenses. Additionally, preventing water damage by winterising your plumbing system helps preserve the structural integrity of your property. In other words, you can avoid extensive repairs and renovations, saving time and money in the long run.
Effective Tips to Winterise Your Plumbing System at Home
Plumbing service professionals in Geelong state that by proactively winterising your plumbing system, you are investing in protecting your home, ensuring its sustainability, and safeguarding your financial well-being.
So, here are some highly straightforward yet efficient tips to winterise your home’s plumbing system before the cold months arrive.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Plumbing service professionals in Geelong note that insulating exposed pipes is a crucial step in winterising your plumbing system.
Exposed pipes are particularly vulnerable to freezing during cold weather, so proper insulation is essential. To insulate the exposed pipes at home, here is what you need to do:
- Identify all exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
- Choose appropriate insulation material.
- Measure the length of the exposed pipe and cut the material accordingly to ensure a snug fit to provide maximum insulation.
- Carefully wrap the material around the pipes, fittings and joints.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can allow cold air to enter your home, potentially causing pipes to freeze. So, emergency plumbers in Geelong note that you should check for any air leaks in your plumbing system before winter arrives and seal it entirely. It helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces the chances of frozen pipe problems.
Not sure how you should proceed? Well, plumbing service professionals share some tips on how you can effectively seal air leaks:
- Identify areas where cold air may enter your home, such as gaps around doors, windows, and utility openings.
- Seal these gaps using weatherstripping to create a tightly sealed surface.
- Use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps on the walls and floors to prevent cold air infiltration.
- Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlet covers to minimise air leakage.
- Ensure these spaces are properly insulated to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your property.
Drain Exterior Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Draining exterior faucets and irrigation systems is a preventive measure crucial in avoiding costly repairs associated with frozen or burst pipes. So, professionals in the region recommend that you should take the time to properly prepare these outdoor components for the colder months. Here’s how you can effectively drain your exterior faucets and irrigation systems:
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses because leaving them attached can cause water to freeze inside the faucet.
- Locate the shut-off valve for each exterior faucet and close it to prevent water from entering the faucets and the connected plumbing lines.
- Open the water faucets to release any remaining water, and allow the water to drain completely.
- If you have an irrigation system, you must drain it as per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage from freezing.
- After you have drained the exterior faucets, plumbing service professionals also recommend insulating them for added protection.
Prepare for Extended Absences
Winters are a great time to go on an extended vacation. So, it is important that, as a house owner, you must take extra precautions if you are planning to stay away from your home for an extended period during winter. Some of the measures that you can take include:
- Locate the main water shut-off valve for your property and turn it off.
- Open all indoor and outdoor faucets to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
- If you plan to be away for very long, consider draining your water heater.
- Consider enlisting the help of a professional plumbing service to winterise your home’s plumbing during your absence.
- Before leaving, ensure that any exposed pipes in unheated areas are properly insulated.
- While you’re away, set your thermostat to a temperature that will maintain a safe indoor environment and prevent freezing. Generally, a temperature of around 55°F (13°C) is recommended.
Trust Licensed Plumbing Service Professionals to Properly Winterise Your Geelong Home
Plumbing service professionals note that winterising your home’s plumbing system is crucial to protect it from freezing temperatures and potential damage.
As a homeowner, you can decide to do it independently or consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before winter arrives to ensure your system is in top shape. Plumbing service professionals note that with proper winterisation, you can enjoy a worry-free winter and maintain the longevity of your plumbing system. But whom should you work with?
We recommend Your Local Plumbing— a team of trained, licensed and insured professionals offering an extensive range of residential, commercial and industrial plumbing solutions. So, connect with them to learn more about their services and learn how they can help you with your concerns.
