Protecting your plumbing during winter doesn’t have to be difficult, and it can prevent an emergency visit from a professional plumber.
The weather is getting colder as we get further into the month of December, and that means it’s time to start seriously thinking about how you’re going to protect your pipes and other plumbing throughout the freezing months ahead. Pipes and other plumbing can crack or even burst, creating a huge mess and large expense when it needs to be fixed right away. These plumbing emergencies are common, but they’re best avoided if at all possible. Take some steps to protect your plumbing this winter so you can enjoy the season without the extra stress.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
All outdoor faucets should be shut off to prevent them from expanding, which will cause them to crack or even burst. Find the shutoff valve and open the bleeder cap to drain any remaining water in the pipes. You can leave a bucket below the bleeder cap to catch the drips and keep an eye on it. If the drip is continuous, your shutoff valve likely needs to be replaced.
Cover Hose Bibs
A simple faucet cover, or hose bib cover, can do a lot to prevent pipe damage in the winter for very little cost. Priced around $5, these cover up your hose bib on your house and slow the cooling and potential freezing of pipes in your home. It’s also important to detach your hose anyway and store it somewhere safe over the winter. Hoses that are left outside in the elements are easily damaged and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Insulate the Garage Door
This might sound like overkill, but hear me out. A garage door has no protection from the cold weather, and it simply doesn’t stop cold air from getting in. Plenty of pipes can run along the perimeter of your garage and home, and some people have water lines in their garage that need to be protected throughout the winter months. All of these are susceptible to problems if the garage is reaching freezing temperatures. In order to keep your entire home warmer (and even lower your heating bills—bonus!), it’s not a bad idea to insulate your garage door to protect your home and your pipes from freezing.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.