Once the temperature starts to drop, as winter settles in, you need to have your plumbing prepared for the freezing temperatures. Once the temperature reaches freezing, unprepared plumbing can freeze and break down. Pipes that burst in freezing weather can coat your home in thick sheets of ice ruining anything it freezes to and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. You have to protect yourself by winterizing your plumbing with these helpful tips from a skilled Boston plumber.

The first rule of winterizing is insulation. There are several types of pipe insulation, ranging from closed cell foam tubes the fit over pipes to thick cloth wraps. Make sure to inspect insulation before winter sets in so that bad insulation sections can be replaced. During the non-freezing temperatures, insulation helps to keep condensation on pipes down and keeps the water temperature stable. When the temperature drops to freezing, insulation provides a barrier between the pipe and the freezing temperatures.

Most people make the mistake of not insulating drainage pipes, or pipes that carry water away from the house. If these lines freeze, they will create a backup of water in your home. Insulation is especially important on any plumbing on the exterior of the house or in exterior walls. These locations do not benefit as much as plumbing inside the home.

Prepare your sprinkler systems and pool filtration systems by draining them. Do not just partially drain the lines because the remaining water will freeze, expand, and crack the PVC pipes according to a Atlanta plumber we interviewed. Even the flexible Polyethylene pipes are vulnerable to rupture. Make sure that all assemblies, especially the backflow assemblies, are drained. Expanding water can crack the brass body and other internal components. Once the weather warms up, you can spend a great deal of money and time trying to find all of he leaks that developed from winterizing improperly.

During times when it is well below freezing, make sure that there is water movement in the pipes. This is accomplished by turning on a couple of water fixtures according to one Houston plumber we spoke to. They do not have to be all the way on, just enough to keep water moving through the pipes. Water that is still in the pipes will freeze faster than water that is moving. Make sure that just enough water is running to keep water moving, but not be wasteful. Having water running slightly can also provide you a warning if pipes do freeze. When the water stops, you know that you have a problem and may need to shut off the water main until the problem has been located.

Keep in touch with your plumbers during the winter season. It is best to have their advise on what steps to take to protect your home. Prior to Winter, make sure to have a plumber come and inspect your plumbing and prepare your systems for the upcoming cold. Sprinkler systems and filtration systems should be prepared by professionally licensed plumbers. This is the best way to avoid having a disaster during the winter or a costly surprise come spring thaw.