5 Tips to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing for Winter 

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing for Winter - Ensuring your home’s plumbing system is in top condition before the thermometer plummets is vital – nobody wants to run the risk of a burst pipe, inoperable toilet, or frozen water supply when it’s preventable. 

As one of the best plumbers Toronto residents can call on, DrainWorks Expert Plumbing in Toronto has a wealth of knowledge on protecting your plumbing from the effects of the Canadian cold winters. We truly believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so preparing your plumbing for the cold weather can prevent you from experiencing costly plumbing issues down the road.

Winterizing your homes plumbing may be considered a mundane chore, but it's essential to do each year to keep your plumbing running smooth and of course avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs.

Use these five essential plumbing tips to optimize the chances of a trouble-free winter.

Prepare Outdoor Pipes, Taps, and Hoses

Outdoor plumbing installations must withstand low temperatures and snow, often for weeks (or even months). Minimize the risk of damage by cutting off the outdoor water supply to outdoor taps, outdoor faucets and hoses. By preparing your outdoor taps, you can easily avoid needing an outdoor faucet repair service.

It's also a good idea to empty the pipe leading to the tap to avoid the risk of a burst pipe due to standing water within the pipe. The outdoor faucet is the border where cold air meets the home and that cold winter air can travel to the pipes inside your home as well, especially pipes in unheated areas of the house. So we recommend to empty this line as much as possible.

If an outdoor tap must be kept operational, ensure any exposed pipework is insulated to prevent your pipes from freezing. A frozen pipe my burst or rupture causing even more headaches. Hoses need to be emptied, carefully coiled, and stored somewhere weatherproof.

Fix Minor Leaks and Plumbing Problems 

Slow leaks, intermittent drain obstructions, and dripping taps may cause minimal summer disruption but will inevitably worsen as it gets colder. If your property’s structure becomes water-logged in winter, it’s much more difficult to dry it out successfully, even if the leak is repaired promptly. This increases the chances of mold, rot, mildew, and even structural collapse!

Stop any plumbing problems before they start by scheduling a plumbing inspection from a licensed plumber Toronto residents can rely on. 

Depending on the results of your plumbing inspection, the plumber will not only complete any plumbing repairs, upgrades, or installations needed but also offer customized advice on keeping your plumbing in top shape over the winter. 

Insulate!

Burst pipes are a common problem during the winter months. In most instances, the pipe fracture is due to repeated freezing and thawing of the water in the pipe or prolonged freezing. Pipes already worn or with minor faults are more likely to burst during the winter weather.

To reduce the risk of a burst pipe, water in the pipe must be warm enough not to freeze. This can be achieved by insulating the pipes in your home and ensuring that it’s either empty of water or that the water running through it is warm enough to prevent freezing.

It’s a great idea to perform a visual assessment of your water lines, especially when pipes are located in a cold zone with no insulation (for example, along an exterior wall). A professional plumbing company is insightful in these situations as they can recommend insulation solutions or even reroute the pipes away from the cold zone.

For households with a tanked hot water system, we recommend ensuring the tank has sufficient insulation. A well-insulated tank will stay hotter for longer, reducing the energy needed to ensure hot water is available.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Even with adequate preparation, there’s always the chance of an unexpected plumbing emergency. Luckily there are several steps homeowners can take to prepare for this scenario.

 ·        Know where your main shut off valve is. Check that it’s working correctly. If you experience a leak, switching the water supply off at the main valve is the best way to solve the problem temporarily. If you are having issues with your main shut off valve, you should seek the appropriate water main shutoff repair services.

·        Having the number on hand of a trusted company that offers emergency plumbing Toronto homeowners can turn to in a pinch is a must! As specialists in burst pipe repair, the team at DrainWorks is the one to call. As a note, we do not repair or install water heater equipment*

Dispose of Waste Responsibly

A blocked toilet or pipe is an unwanted plumbing emergency at any time of year. A blockage can be particularly challenging in winter when it freezes into place. A frozen obstruction may fracture the pipe it’s lodged in and cause the usual unpleasant problems blockages bring. 

Reduce the risk by:

·        Installing hair traps over sink and shower plugholes.

·        Checking that your drainage network is in good condition, using a video camera inspection if necessary.

·        Disposing of household waste responsibly. In particular, be mindful of how bathroom waste, hygiene or baby wipes, grease, and waste food are disposed of.

·        Ensure exterior drains are free of fall leaves so snow can drain properly.

Professional Toronto Plumbers You Can Depend on This Winter

For access to award-winning Toronto plumbing services, including inspections, drain clearing, plumbing repairs, and more, get in touch with the friendly, experienced team at DrainWorks!

Use the phone number below or you can book a plumber online.

416-486-0000