The last thing you want to deal with is frozen plumbing. January and February tend to be the coldest months in Virginia and Maryland, and this is the period in which we receive the most repair calls for frozen or burst pipes. As the weather gets colder, you may be wondering how best to prepare your plumbing system for the upcoming freezing temperatures. But how do you prepare your plumbing system for the winter?
Things you should do to prepare your plumbing system for winter include:
- Set your thermostat to 55° or higher, even at night and when you’re away
- Turn off your outdoor faucets using their shutoff valves and then drain them
- Disconnect and drain all hoses, and put them away for the season
- Install insulated covers over your outdoor faucets
- Make sure any outside plumbing or plumbing on exterior walls is appropriately insulated
- Make certain garages, crawlspaces, attics, and anywhere else that plumbing runs are also well-insulated and sealed
It is also recommended that you schedule a plumbing inspection in the fall, including a water heater inspection. Our plumbers will identify any repair issues or potential weak points in your plumbing system during our visit. We will also provide our expert guidance on how you can best prepare your home for the upcoming winter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pipes
Perhaps the greatest concern our customers have about their plumbing systems in the winter is frozen pipes. This is understandable. Frozen pipes can lead to significant problems, like burst pipes and extensive water damage. Repairing these problems can cost thousands of dollars. This is why it is so important to get your plumbing system prepared for winter.
Below we answer three frequently asked questions about frozen pipes.
Can Pipes Freeze in One Night?
Generally speaking, when the temperature drops to 20° or below, your pipes may be in danger of freezing. Additionally, all it takes is one cold night for pipes to freeze. To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the weather forecast, and if there is a cold snap coming, make appropriate preparations.
During a cold snap, you should:
- Keep your faucets running (a slow trickle is all you need) to avoid standing water freezing in your pipes
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, especially if they are on an exterior wall, to ensure that the heat from your home reaches the pipes
- Set your thermostat a little higher than you normally would and keep the temperature constant
Will Pouring Hot Water Down My Pipes Unfreeze Them?
In some cases, yes, pouring hot water down your drain will unfreeze your pipe. If you have a frozen drain, heat a pot of boiling water on the stove and gently pour it down the drain. As the drain starts moving again, you can turn on the hot water tap to help clear the pipe further. However, this is typically only advised for small, isolated issues like a frozen drain where you know there is no damage to the line. Additionally, if you use this method, you must keep an eye out for leaks and other problems, as frozen pipes are more likely to be cracked or broken, and running hot water down the drain can lead to water damage.
Suppose your entire system is frozen, or you are dealing with bulging pipes, broken pipes, leaks, or other issues. In that case, it is recommended that you call an experienced plumber, like ours at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, for advice.
What Should I Do if I’m Going to Be Out of Town?
If you plan to go out of town during the winter, it is important that you prepare your plumbing system for your absence. Since you will not be there, your thermostat will likely be set significantly lower or even turned off. You also won’t be using your plumbing. This means that your pipes are particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures, especially if there is standing water left in them.
Before going out of town, you should:
- Turn off the water to your home using your main shut off valve
- Turn off your outdoor faucets
- Drain your pipes, including outdoor faucets
- Install a water alarm that will notify you if you have a leak
If you are only leaving for a short period, such as a weekend, you can follow the same general tips above for preparing your home for the winter. This includes keeping your thermostat set to 55° or higher and turning off and draining all outdoor faucets. You may also wish to turn the water off to your dishwasher and washing machine as an added precaution.
If you plan to be out of town for an extended length of time this winter, reach out to our plumbers. We can help you prepare your system and protect it from frozen pipes.