Winter Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance keeps your plumbing system, and by extension, your home, healthy and functional. Plumbing maintenance is especially important during the winter, when cold temperatures can lead to burst pipes and water damage. But by following this simple checklist, you can protect your plumbing from winter’s harsh conditions.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause the water inside pipes to freeze and expand. This, in turn, can cause pipes to burst, threatening your home and belongings with water damage. Exposed pipes are especially vulnerable to the cold. You can protect your pipes by wrapping them with pipe sleeves or foam insulation. You can also protect your plumbing by opening cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows warm air to reach these pipes. Insulating your pipes from the cold is especially important if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time. When you’re not actively using your plumbing, the water in your pipes is not flowing, making it more prone to freezing.

Check for Leaks

Leaks can occur throughout your plumbing system due to ruptured pipes and general wear and tear. Some leaks are obvious, like a dripping faucet, but others are more hidden. Signs of a leak include discoloration on your walls or ceiling, peeling paint, and wet spots in your drywall. You may even see water dripping from A/C vents or hear it dripping behind walls. Finding and repairing these leaks promptly is crucial for protecting your home from devastating water damage and preventing your water bill from rising significantly. If you need help locating or patching a leak, we are happy to assist you.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Small gaps are common around pipes, phone lines, and cable lines where they enter the home or pass through walls and floors. You may also find cracks in unfinished areas of your home, such as the basement or garage. These gaps and cracks can allow cold air into your home, lowering your home’s energy efficiency and leaving your pipes vulnerable to freezing. Fortunately, it’s easy to seal these gaps. Just pick up some spray foam, caulk, or weather stripping and carefully fill any pesky openings.

Rely on Robillard Plumbing

Protecting your pipes from cold temperatures and addressing possible issues immediately will go a long way toward keeping your home safe this winter. If you need help with winter plumbing maintenance or have any questions, feel free to contact the experts at Robillard Plumbing. We are happy to help!