5 Tips to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing For Winter

To say that winters in Canada can be harsh is basically an understatement. Yet while they can be harsh, there is plenty that individuals can do to prepare for them and to limit any potential downfalls such harsh weather might have on their homes.

Plumbing is one area that can suffer from long, cold winters. However, by following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your home and its plumbing are prepared for anything the Canadian winter wants to throw at them.

1. 1. Outdoor Preparation
      To begin with, you should ensure that all outdoor plumbing has been prepared. This involves draining and storing any hoses or outdoor water distribution systems you have in place. These should be stored somewhere the cold won’t affect them too much. However, if they are properly drained and stored, this should not be much of an issue.
   2. Repair Any Plumbing Issues
      This one might seem like it should go without saying, but that is not the case. Many plumbing issues start small and grow over time. Because of this, many homeowners don’t deal with such plumbing issues until they have already becoming full-blown problems. However, with winter coming, it is important to make sure your plumbing is fully functional.

Check your plumbing for leaks, rusting, corrosion and any other issues. Then, anything that shows even the beginnings of a problem should be repaired. This will help ensure you get through the winter without any major plumbing issues.

1. Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas
   This tip is absolutely crucial. It is extremely important for homeowners to wrap and insulate any pipes that are located in areas that will not be heated during the winter. A good example of this might be a sun room that you use in the summer, but which gets more or less shut down during the winter. The room, if not heated, will become cold and so will the pipes, which could lead to them being damaged during the wintertime. This is also very important to consider for pipes located in basements or garages, which are not likely to be heated.
2. Drain the Water Heater
   It is also a good idea to have your water heater prepared professionally for the winter. This might involve draining it. Water heaters are big purchases and will be something you want to protect from winter damage.
3. Keep Warm
   Finally, and perhaps obviously, it is important to keep your house warm. If you keep your house warm, your pipes will be warm and their functionality will continue much as it did during the summer months.

If you are in need of reliable, professional plumbing services, consider Brothers Plumbing, a leader in the industry. Not only do we have over 50 years of experience in plumbing and heating, but we also offer very affordable rates and offer our services seven days a week. Contact Brothers Plumbing today.