The winter season brings with it some of the most challenging situations homeowners will ever face. Not only are you faced with power outages and other unforeseen problems, but you may also experience water heater failure, leaks in the water line, or frozen pipes. This article looks closely at some essential plumbing tips homeowners should consider during winter to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Monitor Your Outdoor Water Valves

Many homeowners are so preoccupied with winterizing their pipes that they fail to notice other plumbing fixtures around the house, such as their outside water valves. In the winter, exposed pipelines or valves are most prone to collapse. It is essential to switch off the water supply to these outdoor water valves. However, allowing some water to flow through the valves is advisable in frigid weather. Allowing some water to flow through the system prevents pipes from freezing, swelling, or bursting.

Conserve Energy to a Limit

If you frequently travel throughout the winter, ensure your heater is turned off. However, leaving your heater off for a prolonged amount of time might cause your pipes to freeze and burst. A ruptured pipe’s damage can escalate, depending on whether you’ve been gone for days, weeks, or months. Many people tend to be oblivious to this problem. To avoid this issue, keep the temperature above 45°F. This will ensure the safety of your pipes while also saving you money.

Check Your Faucets, Drains, and Pipes

The most straightforward way to avoid winter plumbing issues is to have a professional plumber conduct routine household maintenance over the next few months. Inspecting and cleaning pipe plugs, drains, and faucet filters are necessary. Professional plumbers will remove any debris accumulated in your pipes over time. They can also ensure that all pipes and taps are thoroughly insulated and protected to prevent freezing in unheated areas of the home, such as basements and garages.

Ensure Your Hoses Are Properly Stored

If you enjoy gardening, all your gardening equipment, including your water hoses, should be in storage as the winter season closes in. Don’t leave hoses plugged into any water supply. Water collecting in the hose during the winter will undoubtedly freeze and break. In such cases, the harm is irreparable. You can store your hose in a shed, garage, or basement to keep it safe.

Keep Kitchen Drains Unclogged

During the holidays, it is customary to eat at home. In the second half of the winter, dining at home becomes a popular option. However, how you dispose of leftover meals can significantly impact your plumbing system. Pouring grease down the drain, for example, is quite dangerous. Oil and water do not mix. It hardens and can clog pipes. To dispose of such material properly, turn on the garbage disposal first, then pour it in the garbage. When you’re through, flush the drain with plenty of water to ensure no noxious particles remain.

We hope you found these five pointers helpful. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with JW’s in Indianapolis, IN if you require assistance with commercial plumbing throughout the winter months.