Winter Plumbing Tips
While other parts of the country might consider Austin winters mild, temperatures often dip quite low and residents often experience snow a few days out of the year. These conditions, though they may seem minor, can have an impact on your home’s plumbing system. Even if you’re not expecting a polar vortex anytime soon, it’s always better to prepare for the worst.
Many homeowners put off winter plumbing preparations until the last minute and face costly repairs later down the line. This year, minimize plumbing problems with a few simple tips.
- Reduce the drafts: Cold air pockets in your home can impact your pipes, causing them to freeze or become damaged over time. Walkthrough your home and check for pipes that are situated away from the heat. The basement, attic, and under the bathroom sink are all good places to start. Insulate the pipes to prevent future freezes.
- Spread showers out: This is one of the lesser-known tips, but it is equally important to the condition of your home’s plumbing system. By maintaining at least a 10-minute gap between showers, you can avoid a hot water shortage and low pressure.
- Fix those leaks: If you’ve been putting off fixing leaky pipes throughout your home, the time to fix them is now. Winter weather conditions can turn a minor leak into a major problem and even cause the need for a major repair in the spring. You may be able to fix them yourself, but it’s always best to call in an expert to ensure that the job is done right.
- Maintain outdoor plumbing: Never overlook the plumbing you have outdoors. Garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and faucets should all be adjusted as necessary. It is worthwhile to shut off your sprinklers until warmer temperatures arrive and detach your hoses from the main faucets.
If you have any questions about preparing your plumbing for the winter, or if you find yourself with an emergency plumbing situation on your hands, don’t hesitate to contact our team of skilled plumbers at Excalibur Plumbing! We offer affordable service throughout Austin and are eager to assist you with all of your plumbing needs.