With the onset of the winter season, homeowners need to take extra precautions to protect their homes from the effects of extreme weather and plummeting temperatures. Ensuring that your home is properly winterized is essential in order to prevent any potential damage to your property, particularly if you plan on leaving your home vacant for part or all of the winter season. Taking proactive measures can mitigate risks, such as the possibility of pipes bursting, which can cause significant damage and expensive repairs.
By effectively preparing your home for the cold winter months, you can prevent many of the common issues that homeowners face, including structural problems, heating issues, and increased energy bills. Winterization is a preventative measure that can help protect your investment and give you peace of mind throughout the winter season.
Water damage can be a costly problem for homeowners, especially if it goes unnoticed. If you plan on being away for an extended amount of time, it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid a possible burst or leak.
We recommend turning off the water supply completely to reduce the risk of water damage. However, it’s important to note that if your home has an older steam heating system or is protected by a fire sprinkler system, turning off the water supply may not be safe or recommended. As such, we suggest consulting with your heating professional to determine if turning off the water supply is an option for your specific situation.
If you do turn off the water supply, it’s important to properly drain your pipes to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage. To do so, simply open your faucets and flush your toilets.
Asking a neighbor, friend, or relative to check on your home while you are gone is also a great idea. If they do find water damage in your home plan ahead and have our contact information saved so that we can spring into immediate action for you.
If you decide not to drain your pipes, it is important to keep your furnace running to maintain a warm home and prevent frozen pipes. It is recommended to keep the temperature at 55°F or higher to protect the interior of the floor and wall cavities where the water piping is likely located. Additionally, leaving room and cabinet doors open can help circulate heat to prevent freezing. It is also important to shut off the water to washing machines and dishwashers to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while away.
Draining outdoor faucets and installing water flow sensors and low-temperature sensors for constant monitoring can be beneficial.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your water pipes stay protected and prevent costly damage in the long run.
