As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your home from the impending cold. While many homeowners focus on preparing their HVAC systems for the cooler months, it’s equally important to give your plumbing system some attention. Cold weather can pose significant risks to your pipes, leading to frozen pipes, leaks, and potentially costly damage. Here are some essential tips to help you insulate and protect your home’s plumbing system as temperatures drop.
1. Keep the Heat On
It’s crucial to keep your home’s heating system on during the fall and winter months, even if you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period. Set the thermostat to a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to prevent the temperature inside your home from dropping too low. This will help keep your pipes warm and reduce the risk of freezing.
The ideal temperature setting for your water heater is around 49°C (120°F). This temperature is hot enough to provide adequate hot water for your household needs while reducing the risk of scalding and lowering energy costs.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater
As the weather gets colder, your water heater will be working harder to provide hot water. Inspect your water heater for any signs of wear or leaks and consider flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup. Ensuring your water heater is in good working condition will help prevent unexpected breakdowns during the colder months. It’s a great time to schedule your annual maintenance, now that cooling season is done.
3. Know Your Shut-Off Valve Location
In case of an emergency, such as a burst pipe, it’s essential to know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. Shutting off the water quickly can help minimize damage and prevent flooding. Make sure everyone in your household knows the location of the shut-off valve and how to operate it.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps and cracks in the walls, windows, and doors, especially near plumbing fixtures. This can cause the temperature around your pipes to drop, increasing the risk of freezing. Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or weatherstripping to keep cold air out and warm air in.
Areas to Check:
- Around windows and doors
- In the basement or crawl space
- Around electrical wiring and plumbing penetrations
- Foundation for any cracks to help avoid flooding in the spring thaw
5. Monitor for Signs of Trouble
As you head into the colder months, keep an eye out for signs that your water heater may need attention. These include unusual noises, inconsistent water temperatures, discolored water, or leaks around the unit. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems and costly repairs down the line.
6. Ensure Water Valves on External Walls Don’t Freeze
A frost-free hose bib helps protect your pipes from cold weather by preventing water from sitting in the pipe where it can freeze and cause damage. Unlike regular outdoor faucets, frost-free hose bibs extend the shutoff valve into the warm interior of the home, keeping water out of the exposed pipe section. This design ensures that water doesn’t remain in the part of the pipe that could freeze in colder temperatures.
It’s important to always remove garden hoses before freezing temperatures to prevent water from being trapped. If your home has a separate shutoff valve for outdoor faucets, close it and drain any remaining water from the faucet.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Consider scheduling a professional inspection. Our Comfort Owl Professionals or a licensed plumber can thoroughly inspect your water heater, check for any potential issues, and perform necessary maintenance or repairs to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently.
In the event your water heater needs a repair, Comfort Owl’s breakdown protection can alleviate the stress off you and your wallet. Inquire about our rent/lease to own options for more info.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your water heater is ready to handle the increased demand of fall and winter. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your water heater but also ensures that you and your family have reliable access to hot water during the colder months. Remember, a little preparation now can save you from the inconvenience and expense of a water heater breakdown when you need it most.