From Paul FP Pogue, Angie’s List
In mid-October you can still enjoy warm weather and light jacket days. But colder temperatures will come faster than you expect. Take precautions now to make sure your pipes and water supply stay fine all winter.
Plan ahead
If pipes or taps are leaking, get a plumber now to fix the problem. Temperate weather leaks become much bigger problems once temperatures drop below freezing.
Prep your pipes with insulation that will be the first line of defense against freezing. Insulating hoses from the hardware store should offer effective protection. Pay particular attention to pipes in unheated areas, pipes that have frozen over in previous winters, and pipes that have been repaired in the past year.
If your outside faucets have a separate shut-off valve, close the valve, open the plugs to drain the plumbing, and leave them open until spring. If your faucets have backflow preventer, be sure to disconnect them so that the water can drain out of the tap.
Fill any external cracks or holes with spray foam insulation and sealant. Do the same with openings around taps or hose bibs. This prevents cold air from penetrating through the pipes and saves energy at the same time.
Prepare your holiday home
If you are going to spend the winter in a different house, it is a good idea to prepare the house you are leaving for bad weather. Vacation homes can take great damage if a frozen pipe leaks; You may not notice the water damage for months.
A burst main water main can be devastating if left unattended for months. To prevent this, switch off the water meter yourself with the meter key or have a plumber do it. Open all of your faucets and valves to drain the pipes. Then turn off the water through the shut-off valve in your house and leave the taps open.
Water can hide in plumbing fixtures, so be sure to address these. Disconnect and drain your washing machine hoses and dishwasher drain lines. Empty all shower attachments and shower heads. Turn off the water heater and completely empty the tank. Finally, flush your toilets and remove excess water from tanks and bowls.
What to do when pipes freeze
Despite your best efforts, you can end up with frozen pipes anyway, so have a plan for this event. First close the main shut-off valve to avoid leakage. Then find the source of the freezing. If one or two faucets are not working, then the freezing is between the disconnection from the main line. If none works, it’s near the main water main. To thaw a pipe, wrap the pipe in a towel doused with hot water or warm it up with a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Never use a flame.
Have your plumber’s emergency contact information handy in case you encounter a problem that you cannot resolve on your own.
Winter is also a good time to check your emergency kit, which should contain (among other things) one gallon of water per person per day in the event of an emergency or a water failure.
