6 Plumbing Maintenance And Repair Tips For Winter

Your plumbing system is more prone to breakage in the winter. Pipes can burst or freeze due to the ground freezing and thawing when temperatures dip, resulting in expensive repairs. Here are six plumbing maintenance and repair guidelines to maintain your home's plumbing system in peak shape this winter to avoid any unneeded (and expensive) damage.

You can also take help from a reputed plumber in Rancho Santa Margarita. We've got you covered whether you need a new water heater, want to know how to prevent frozen pipes, or want some helpful advice on how to take better care of your pipes.

1. Inspect for Possible Water Damage

It is essential to keep an eye out for plumbing leaks all year round, but especially so in the colder months. If a leak is not repaired promptly, it can cause extensive damage to your house and raise your water bill.

Looking for leaks is as easy as looking around at your appliances and plumbing to see if anything seems dripping or has water damage. Be sure to fix any leaks as soon as possible if you discover them.

2. Insulate Your Pipes

Pipe insulation is crucial in preparing your plumbing system for the colder months. This will assist in keeping them from freezing and breaking under the weight of the ice. Insulation for pipes is easily accessible.

It may be ready-made or fashioned at home with materials like foam tubing or fiberglass batting from hardware stores. Wrap the material around your uncovered pipes after cutting them to size. Use duct tape or another suitable sealer to close any gaps or openings.

3. Check Your Water’s Pressure

Ensure the needle on your water pressure regulator is in the "green" area. You may need to make a change if it isn't. As a result, you may adjust the pressure by rotating the knob clockwise to increase or lower it.

Water pressure can be tested without a regulator by connecting a garden hose to an outdoor faucet and turning on the water. It's best to keep everything between 40 and 60 psi. If the number is below 40 psi, it's time to check your reliable pump. A water pressure regulator is necessary if the gauge shows a reading of more than 60 psi.

4. Drain and Clean Your Outside Faucets

If you want to save money on plumbing repairs in the future, you should winterize your home's plumbing before the weather becomes too cold. Cleaning and draining your outdoor faucets is a crucial task.

Pipes can explode if water is left in them during freezing temperatures because it expands as it freezes. Simply opening your outdoor faucets will prevent this from happening. After the water has been emptied from the faucet, please give it a thorough cleaning with soapy water and a brush to eliminate any debris that could create issues in the future.

Keep an Eye on Your Pipes This Winter

It's crucial to keep an eye on your pipes as the temperatures begin to decrease. This is especially important to remember if you live in an older home with pipes that are more likely to burst in the event of freezing temperatures. To prevent a plumbing emergency this winter, consider the following advice.

Any space with bare pipes should have its cabinet doors left open. The warmth inside the house can then go into the pipes and keep them from freezing. Please remember to turn off the water supply and drain the pipes before leaving on a long trip. You can rest assured that they won't freeze to death while you're gone if you do this.

Let’s Wind Up

The plumbing in your home has unique challenges during the winter. You can keep your pipes in good condition and reduce the need for expensive repairs if you take precautions and perform the maintenance required. Following these basic but crucial precautions, your home's plumbing should be safe during the winter.