Essential Plumbing To-Dos for Winter: Tips from McMackin Mechanical

As the colder months approach, preparing your home’s plumbing is essential for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring smooth operation through the winter season. At McMackin Mechanical, we know that a few proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your pipes and keeping your plumbing functioning efficiently. Here are the key plumbing tasks to take care of as the temperatures drop.

Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses

Leaving garden hoses connected to outdoor faucets can lead to big problems when temperatures dip below freezing. When water gets trapped in hoses, it can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to crack. Follow these steps:

1. Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
2. Drain any remaining water in hoses and store them indoors.
3. Shut off outdoor faucets by turning off the shut-off valve inside your home, often located in the basement or garage.
4. Cover or insulate outdoor spigots with foam covers to reduce the risk of freezing.

PLEASE NOTE: You lose the benefits of freeze resistant spigots will still freeze if the hose is still attached. And, you should still turn off the water as an additional layer of protection – it only takes a minute of your time.

Taking these simple steps can prevent frozen pipes and water damage, saving you from expensive repairs.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, basements, and crawl spaces, are at a higher risk of freezing. Insulating these pipes helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces the chances of freezing and bursting.

1. Install pipe insulation sleeves or wraps around any exposed pipes.
2. Focus on areas that are unheated or near exterior walls, as these pipes are the most vulnerable.
3. Consider heating cables for extremely cold climates or exposed plumbing areas that are difficult to insulate.

If you’re unsure which pipes are at risk, McMackin Mechanical can assess your plumbing and install the necessary insulation to prevent winter pipe issues.

Keep Indoor Pipes Warm

Pipes within your home are also vulnerable during extremely cold temperatures. Simple measures can keep pipes warm and minimize the chance of freezing:

1. Open cabinet doors under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
2. Leave a small trickle of water running** from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so a slow drip can help prevent blockages in freezing weather.
3. Seal any gaps or drafts in your home, especially around windows and doors near plumbing areas, to reduce cold airflow.

PLEASE NOTE: This advice is especially important for properties that are left unattended during the winter months, such as lake houses, summer homes, or even folks leaving for a vacation. Home maintenance doesn’t stop just because you are leaving it behind for a period of time.

Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located is crucial in case of a plumbing emergency. If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly can prevent extensive water damage.

1. Locate the main shut-off valve, which is typically found in the basement or utility room.
2. Test or ‘exercise’ the valve to make sure it’s working properly. Over time, shut-off valves can stick or corrode, so it’s important to ensure yours functions in an emergency.
3. Make sure all household members know where the shut-off valve is and how to use it.

If you need help locating or testing your shut-off valve, McMackin Mechanical can guide you through the process, ensuring you’re prepared for any plumbing emergency. We can also help install or replace shut offs as needed.

Prevent Frozen Pipes with Heating Solutions

Some homes may need extra heating assistance for pipes in areas that are difficult to insulate or keep warm. Here are a few methods:

1. Install heat tape or heating cables along exposed pipes in extremely cold areas. These electric cables can be set to maintain a consistent pipe temperature, reducing the risk of freezing.
2. Use space heaters safely in unheated areas like basements or garages. If using a space heater, make sure it is positioned safely away from flammable materials, in accordance with the manufacturer instruction manuals and used only when someone is present to monitor it.
3. Perform general winterization to your home around windows, doors, and anywhere cool air may be entering your home.

Schedule a Winter Plumbing Inspection with McMackin Mechanical

Winterizing your plumbing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. McMackin Mechanical’s professional plumbing services include winter readiness inspections, pipe insulation, water heater maintenance, and sump pump checks. We’ll help ensure that your plumbing system is prepared to handle the cold months ahead, reducing the risk of freezing pipes and expensive repairs.

Contact McMackin Mechanical today to work on any plumbing needs before we get deep into the winter season. With our expert guidance, you can rest easy knowing your home’s plumbing is prepared to handle the season’s chill.