Cincinnati winters bring average temperatures that are well below freezing, and surely you’re already getting ready to keep your family comfortable and cozy in the coming months. Make sure to add your plumbing system to your winterizing list. As water freezes, it takes up more space, and this increases the risk of leaks, burst pipes, and other issues that cost you money and time. Here are six steps to follow to get your plumbing ready for the colder temperatures in Cincinnati, OH.
1. Set the Thermostat Properly
Your heating system not only warms the livable space in your home, but it also maintains the temperatures around your interior pipes. Lowering the thermostat when you aren’t home or when you sleep increases the chances of water freezing inside the pipes. The best way to protect your plumbing this winter is to keep temperatures consistent inside your home. Not only does this protect the pipes, but it also saves you money in utility costs.
2. Wrap Up Outdoor Pipes
Outdoor pipes are exposed to the elements and susceptible to freezing during the blustery Cincinnati winters. There are several ways to protect this part of your plumbing. You can insulate the pipes at the beginning of winter or only when forecasted temperatures dip below the freezing point. One of the easiest ways to insulate outdoor pipes is by wrapping them in small blankets and securing them with heavy-duty tape. You can also use products specifically for insulating outdoor pipes.
3. Perform Ongoing Inspections and Maintenance
Schedule an appointment with a technician from Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to have your plumbing system inspected before winter arrives in Cincinnati. The technician will look for any issues that may cause problems as temperatures dip, such as broken fixtures, corrosion, electrical issues, and more. While these concerns may not directly cause freezing in your pipes, they are signs that your plumbing system needs attention. The technician will also perform routine maintenance on your entire plumbing system.
4. Repair Any Leaks
Cracks and leaks in your plumbing system cause issues during the winter for two reasons. First, the water that leaks out will freeze onto the pipes and decrease the temperature of the water inside the pipes. Second, any damage to the plumbing lets cold air inside where it can freeze the water. Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers repair services in the Cincinnati area, and our technicians perform all plumbing repairs that are found during the inspection. Making small repairs to your plumbing system now can prevent larger problems in the coming months. Should a problem arise this winter, we offer 24/7 emergency services.
5. Open Up Your Faucets
Water is more likely to freeze when it’s not moving inside the pipes. This is why one of the best ways to protect your plumbing during the Cincinnati winters is to open the faucets enough for a steady drip of water. Weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, so you should keep the faucets open every night in case temperatures drop more than expected. Typically, faucets don’t need to be left open during the day because you’re using faucets, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines that keep water moving through the pipes. If you plan to be away from your home during the day or are leaving for more than one day, keep the faucets open.
6. Close the Garage and Open the Cabinets
Many plumbing pipes are found inside the garage and cabinets of homes in Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and Indiana. You want to keep these pipes as warm as possible this winter. Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming into the space and freezing the water in the pipes. You should also open the cabinets in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and other areas where you have exposed plumbing. This allows the heated air from your HVAC system to keep the pipes warm.
Schedule an Appointment With a Plumbing Technician
Since 1968, Cincinnati residents and businesses have trusted Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing with their plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and indoor air quality needs. As you get ready for winter, our professional technicians make sure that your plumbing system is ready for colder temperatures. Call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We look forward to serving your indoor climate and home comfort needs.