Winter weather can cause a wide variety of issues for a homeowner. Many issues center around your heating system and ensuring your roof is ready for the season ahead. However, even with our milder climate here in California, winter weather can also damage your home’s plumbing system. Your outdoor plumbing is most susceptible to cold snaps and can cause serious damage if you do not properly prepare for the cold before the temperature actually plunges, even for just one winter night.
Frozen pipes can lead to bursts that, in turn, can result in flooding requiring you to shut off your water and wait for pipe repair. This flooding can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation, your sprinkler system, and other outdoor water features. Water damage can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Taking the time to properly winterize your outdoor plumbing will greatly reduce your chances of needing to deal with these issues during an extreme cold spell and will set you up for success once spring rolls back around.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Draining all of your outdoor faucets and hoses is the first step you should take in order to prevent your pipes from freezing. If you leave a hose connected to the faucet all winter long, you run the risk of trapping water inside the hose and faucet. This can lead to a burst faucet and damage your hoses.
Disconnect your hoses and thoroughly drain them before storing them in a dry and warm area such as a garage for the winter. This will help prevent them from becoming brittle or cracking due to cold temperatures. Also, consider discarding hoses that are worn out. Most garden hoses have a useful lifetime of five to 10 years.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Shutting off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and draining the pipes leading to them is critical to preventing freezing. The shut-off valves are usually located in your basement. When turning off the water supply, make sure you close every valve. Most homes have one on each pipe leading to an outdoor faucet.
Many homes also have a drain valve on the pipes. Place a bucket or a towel under the valve to catch any water, and then turn the knob counterclockwise to open it. Once the water has finished draining, don’t forget to securely tighten the knob by turning it clockwise. This will prevent a mess when the water is turned back on in the spring. Once you have turned off the water supply and drained the pipes, go back outside and ensure no water is left inside the faucets by opening them.
Shut-off valves can become corroded or worn out over time. If you cannot close all the valves for the pipes leading to your outdoor faucets, it is best to contact a plumber. They can repair or replace the faulty valves to help you avoid frozen pipes.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Once you have drained your outdoor faucets and cut off the water supply, you will want to inspect your home for any exposed pipes so that you can properly insulate them. Insulation will help maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing during cold spells.
There are several different types of insulation materials that you can use. The most common solution is a foam pipe sleeve. These pre-slit foam tubes come in different sizes and are easy to install while providing adequate insulation for your pipes.
If your exposed pipes are located in tight spaces or have a lot of bends, rubber insulation is a better option. This type of pipe insulation is more durable and flexible, making it easier to fit over hard-to-reach pipes.
Electric heat tape is another excellent insulation option for exposed pipes. It provides direct heat to the pipes, keeping them warm even in extreme cold. Many options come with a built-in thermostat that automatically turns the heat on and off based on the temperature, making it energy-efficient. To get the most out of it, make sure to install it properly by securing it directly to the pipe with non-conductive tape or ties.
While not technically outside, pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as basements and crawl spaces, are also vulnerable during the winter months. In these areas, fiberglass insulation is a great option. If you’re unsure which insulation method is best for your pipes, contact a plumber for advice or an inspection. They can help you ensure your outdoor plumbing will be safe for the winter.
Protect Water Features
If you have any outdoor water features such as a pond, fountain, or birdbath, you need to be mindful of them during cold weather, just like you do with your faucets. Remove and store any detachable components from your outdoor features to prevent them from getting damaged during the winter. If your fountain or birdbath is connected to a water source, you will want to follow a similar process to what you did to winterize your faucets. This includes disconnecting any water source and properly draining water from the fountain or fixture. If possible, cover the fixture with a sturdy cover to shield it from the elements.
Winterize Sprinkler Systems
If you have a permanent sprinkler system, the last thing you want to deal with is damaged underground pipes in the spring. The first step in winterization is to shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This is done via the shut-off valve inside your home, just like you did when turning off the water going to your outdoor faucets. Once the water supply has been turned off, you will want to open any drain valves associated with your sprinkler system.
After letting the water drain by using the knobs on the pipes, it is recommended that you use an air compressor to blow out the rest of the water in your system. When the air compressor is on, turn on each zone of your sprinkler system one at a time and use the compressor to force out any remaining water. Do not exceed 50 PSI if you have PVC pipes or 80 PSI for flexible tubing to avoid damage. If you are uncomfortable performing this process, a plumber can help.
Turn on Indoor Faucets During Cold Snaps
Even with careful precautions to protect outdoor pipes that are part of your interior plumbing system, there’s no way to guarantee they’ll stay safe throughout the winter. During extended periods of cold weather, consider turning on the faucets in your house fed by these pipes to keep water moving. Running water is less likely to ice over, and even a slow trickle can make a significant difference in preventing frozen pipes. All it takes is one night of sub-zero temperatures, so as rare as that is here in Bellflower, you want to be ready.
Contact Your Local Plumbing Experts
At Service All-Stars, we have been serving the residents of Bellflower, CA and the surrounding areas for over a decade. We are a team of expert plumbers who can help with all your repiping, drain cleaning, and water treatment needs. Additionally, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
