Winter Plumbing Tips for Your Richmond Home, Straight from Our Expert Plumbers
As a locally owned and operated company based in Goochland, our team has seen firsthand how Central Virginia’s freezing winter temperatures can affect your home, especially your plumbing system.
Fall is the perfect time to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing and help prepare your home for winter. Here are a few tips from our master plumbers to help protect your pipes and prevent costly damage during the colder months.
1. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures arrive. Leaving hoses connected can trap water and increase the risk of freezing and damage to your plumbing. Consider installing frost-free hose bibs if your home doesn’t already have them. These faucets are designed to help prevent freezing when properly installed and maintained. Even with frost-free faucets, always disconnect hoses before winter.
2. Check Insulation on Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, garages, and basements, are especially vulnerable to freezing during subzero temperatures. Insulating exposed pipes is a simple, cost-effective way to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and potentially save you thousands of dollars in water damage and repairs.
3. Make Sure Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Works
If a pipe bursts, knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located can make all the difference. Make sure you can access the valve and that it operates properly. In an emergency, shutting off your home’s water supply quickly can help minimize water damage while you wait for a professional plumber to resolve the issue.
4. Let Faucets Drip When Temperatures Drop
During periods of extreme cold, allowing a faucet to drip slowly can help reduce the risk of freezing in vulnerable pipes, particularly those located along exterior walls. If possible, choose a faucet served by pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Keep in mind that dripping faucets are an additional precaution, not a substitute for proper pipe insulation and adequate indoor heating.
5. Keep Your Home Warm
It may be tempting to turn down or turn off your heat while you’re away to save on energy costs, but doing so can put your plumbing at risk. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F while you’re away, and consider maintaining a temperature of 60°F or higher during particularly cold weather, especially if your home has pipes in vulnerable areas. Consistent indoor temperatures can help reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes.
Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter with Hall Air
A little preparation now can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs when winter arrives. If you want to be proactive and make sure your plumbing is ready for the colder months in Central Virginia, give Hall Air a call!
Our team can schedule a whole-home plumbing inspection, identify potential problem areas, and provide professional recommendations to help protect your home throughout the winter season.