Five Plumbing Tips And Tricks On Preparing Your Home For Winter

Now that we’re experiencing cooler overnight temperatures in the Denver-area, here are some winter plumbing tips from the master plumbers at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical:

Know The Location Of Your Water Shut-Off And Regularly Test It

If a pipe bursts , you won’t want to wait for someone to help you locate the water shut-off. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or crawl space near the water heater.

Turn Off Outdoor Faucets And Disconnect Hoses From The Water Source

Make sure the faucet and outside piping is fully drained. Many homes have an inside valve that will shut off the water flow. Disconnect the hose to assure that freeze-proof faucets will drain.

Turn Off And Drain Sprinkler Systems

Freezing and thawing cycles can create cracks and weak spots in the sprinkler system, triggering underground leaks or min geysers. Make sure you properly drain your sprinkler system before the cold hits to preserve your lines! Unsure of how to drain your sprinkler system? Give Bell a call for help.

Insulate Water Pipes That May Be Vulnerable To The Cold, Or Have Posed Problems Before

Pipes close to exterior walls, unheated basements or near windows can be wrapped with insulation. For difficult pipes, consult Bell on how to install  heat tape for pipes, as improper use can cause fires. Insulation and heat tape do not guarantee that pipes will not freeze. Monitor them during cold weather. Learn more about the importance of properly insulating your pipes here!

Flush The Hot Water Heater Tank To Remove Sediment And Increase Efficiency

Water heater manufacturers suggest flushing your water heater every year to get rid of sediment build-up inside of it. Minerals from water can solidify on the bottom and sides of your water heater and, unless flushed out, can cause your water heater to fail. While this is not strictly a winter effort, it’s good to get this on your calendar of to-do’s.

Invest In A Freezeless Faucet

If you don’t already have one, consider installing a freezeless faucet. Water trapped inside the faucet may cause the faucet to freeze and break. A freezeless wall faucet (Anti-burst) will protect your home from freeze damage. 

Call A Denver Plumber for Winter Shut Down Services!

If you’re unsure if your home is ready for winter, call a plumbing company you can rely on to make sure! Our Denver area plumbers have years of experience preparing Colorado homes for winter, you can count on us!

Contact Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical to install a freezeless faucet and get $75 off your service visit!