Turn off outside water valves to prevent frozen pipes

The most important winter plumbing tip we can share is to take care of your pipes. When the temperature drops below freezing, water pipes in your home have the potential to rupture, creating an expensive disaster in your home's basement. The average homeowner's expense for a burst pipe is about $1,000 on average. Not to mention the water damage, which can cost from $5,000 to $70,000 to repair, according to State Farm Insurance.

To protect against frozen pipes, turn off all outside water valves and look for pipes in uninsulated areas of the home, such as those running along the home's outer walls. These pipes are the most likely to freeze and should be wrapped with foam or towels for the season. In cases of extreme cold, it's a good idea to let faucets drip slowly to encourage water flow.

Know the location of your home's main water valve

In case of a major incident - such as a pipe bursting - you will need to immediately shut off all the water in the home. It’s critical to know where the main water valve is located. This valve is usually located next to the water meter and should be kept in good condition. To maintain your home's main water valve and keep it in working order, open and close it once a year.

Conserve your home’s energy ⏤ but don’t go too low!

This may seem like an interesting winter plumbing tip, but trust us: don’t turn off your home’s heating if you’re going on a trip. Turning the heat too low increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. The damage caused by such an accident will be even greater if the rupture goes unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months.

To best prevent a pipe rupture, the home's temperature should be set no lower than 45F. This solution offers maximum savings while protecting against frozen pipes. You can also run a faucet at a slow trickle to help prevent pipes from freezing and rupturing. 

Conserving energy during the winter months while staying cozy indoors can be tricky, but we have thermostat recommendations for when you’re home to make sure you stay comfortable and avoid high bills!

Make sure your water heater runs properly

Your water heater is more important now than any other time of the year, so this is the perfect time to make sure it is running optimally. A professional plumber can service the unit by checking the tank's sacrificial anode rod and making any repairs or replacements necessary due to wear or corrosion.

When adjusting the heater's water temperature, don't set the dial above 125 degrees F. This will prevent scalding water and reduce energy waste.

Don’t clog kitchen drains and be careful with the disposal

The holidays inspire some of the largest meals you'll prepare during the year, so how you dispose of cooking-related messes, leftovers, and table scraps can significantly impact your plumbing system.

For example, fats or oils accumulate while preparing many meals, but these leftovers should NEVER be poured down your drain as they can congeal and clog pipes. Instead, allow grease to congeal in the cooking dish and then scrape it into the trash.

In terms of your garbage disposal, it is best to turn it on first and then add the food debris. After the machine has done its work, shut it off and run plenty of water down the drain to clear the system for the next time you need it.

Prepare outside drainage

Winterizing your lawn can help improve drainage from snow and rain. Removing debris from your yard to ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear before the winter will improve their ability to drain runoff.

Consider installing insulation

Preventing frozen pipes can be as simple as a little planning and installing foam insulation. Insulating foam sheaths are sold at most hardware stores in a variety of sizes and are easy to install. 

Make sure to insulate the entire length of the pipe from the point where your home’s main water line emerges from the ground to the point where it enters the heated space of your home. You should also insulate any pipes outside the heated portion of your home, like those in attics, unheated basements and outdoor hose bibbs. If pipe insulation is not a DIY job for your home, call a licensed plumber.

Hire right the first time

Your home is typically one of the biggest, most important purchases you can make ⏤ the result of a painstaking search that might have taken months or even years. Therefore, when it comes to home maintenance ⏤ from air conditioner repairs to plumbing maintenance ⏤ it only makes sense to hire someone who is qualified and will do the job well. Direct Energy offers the following tips for finding the right technician to make repairs to your prized possession:

Hire a technician from a well-known, reputable organization

• Make sure the technician is licensed and insured.
• Use a technician who will provide an upfront explanation of the entire repair process.
• Ensure you have an itemized work order that shows exactly what is going to be done and how much it will cost ⏤ in advance!