You may be excited about taking winter vacation, or you could be leaving your vacation home for your domicile. Either direction your traveling, you have to leave your plumbing behind. Though Augusta’s winters aren’t terrible, it does not have to get terribly cold for the water in your pipes to freeze. Water expands when it freezes, and this can cause pipes and receptacles to burst. Few things are more heartbreaking than coming back to a home that’s been flooded from burst pipes. Fortunately, this disaster can be prevented.
Turn Off the Water at the Source
First, find your main shut-off valve, and turn it off. Then, open all the faucets, and let them drain. Flush all the toilets until they’re empty.
You should not only drain your pipes, but you should also unplug and drain any water-dependent appliances. This would include everything from your washing machine to your water heater, your coffee machine to your dishwater. Be sure to not just unplug them but to drain any water lines or hoses they may have.
What to Do If You Can’t Completely Drain Your Plumbing
If it’s not possible to completely drain your plumbing, turn on a faucet until it starts to drip slowly but constantly. Running water doesn’t freeze, and even a dripping faucet will save your pipes. Then, turn your thermostat to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Running your heat is going to cost, but it’s better than having to pay to repair or replace burst plumbing pipes or to rehabilitate a flooded house.
Insulate Your Pipes
Some plumbers believe that insulating your pipes is even better than draining your pipes completely. The best materials to use to wrap your pipes are fiberglass or polyurethane. Be especially vigilant about insulating the pipes in places that are unheated, such as your garage and outdoor spigots. You can even buy covers for outdoor faucets. Detach your garden hoses, drain, and store them. If your spigot has a back flow preventer, cover it up with a towel. Another layer of protection is to use sealing tape or caulk on your windows, especially those found in unheated areas.
Reach Out to Us for Winterizing Your Plumbing
Our plumbers have been serving the residents of Augusta since 1992. We are unmatched when it comes to skills, knowledgeability, courtesy, and punctuality. We even pride ourselves on our tidiness; plumbing can be a messy job, and the only way you’ll know we’ve been in your home is a plumbing system that works perfectly. We not only give you pointers about how to prepare your home for winter if you’re going to be away, but we also provide drain cleaning, hydrojetting, emergency plumbing, water heater repair, and water treatment. Don’t forget to call us to inspect your plumbing after you come home. Get in touch with The Drain Surgeon today.
