As the days get shorter and there’s a definite chill in the air, the fall to-do list for homeowners can seem endless. Between that last lawn fertilizer and the annual winter tire swap, it’s easy to let things slip. But there’s one job you absolutely can’t overlook: getting your home’s plumbing ready for winter.
Pipes that run through exterior walls or lead to your outside garden hose taps are especially at risk. Without proper winterization, water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe, causing a high-pressure leak. It’s an expensive, messy problem that can cause serious water damage in a flash.
To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, here are some essential fall and winter plumbing tips from your local experts.
1. Drain and Disconnect Your Outdoor Faucets
Your exterior water taps are the most vulnerable spot when the temperature plummets.
- First, disconnect your garden hoses and drain them completely before storing them for the season.
- Next, find the indoor shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet (usually in the basement) and turn it off completely.
- Go back outside and open the tap to let all the trapped water drain out. It’s best to leave the tap in the open position through the winter to be safe.
2. Get Ahead of Clogged Drains
The last thing you want is a major clog in the middle of winter. If a sink, shower, or toilet drain gets blocked up underground, it can be a nightmare to fix when the ground is frozen solid. The frost makes digging incredibly difficult and labour-intensive, which means the repair will be much more costly. Take care of any slow drains now before they become a big problem.
3. Insulate Any Vulnerable Pipes
A burst pipe can quickly flood your home, leading to thousands in water damage and creating the perfect conditions for mould. To prevent this, check for any pipes running through unheated areas like a crawl space, garage, or along the inside of an exterior wall. You can find simple pipe foam insulation at any hardware store—it’s an easy and cheap way to give those pipes the extra protection they need.
Feeling Unsure? We’re Here to Help, Eh?
While these steps are straightforward, it can be tough to know for sure if your home is fully protected. If you have any concerns that your plumbing isn’t ready for a Canadian winter, don’t hesitate to call a local expert.
The team of expert plumbers in Brampton at Drain Experts Plumbing is always ready to help. We’re happy to come out, take a look, and give you the peace of mind that your pipes are safe and sound this winter.
