It Is Time To Begin Winterizing Your Plumbing

This week will have the first actual freezing of the winter season. It is especially true at night when temperatures get as low as 20 degrees. When pipes get too cold too quickly, they can crack, burst, or open for water or sewage leaks. We all know that when water freezes, it expands, so removing the water before it has a chance to freeze is important. Below are some things you can do as a home or business owner to help prevent these issues.

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Now is the time to winterize your plumbing

1. Remove your hose from the outside spigot

Utah transitions quickly from hot summer temperatures to below-freezing levels in a few weeks. It is one reason people forget to remove their hose from the outside spigot. To help increase the lifespan of your hose, consider storing the hose in a garage and away from the elements.

2. Consider installing pipe insulation

Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Insulating your pipes offers an increased line of defense by keeping the cold ambient temperatures from penetrating the layer of protection. Suppose you live in areas that are notoriously cold during winter. In that case, we recommend insulating your indoor and outdoor plumbing, especially if you have a basement that does not receive any heat from your furnace or heat pumps.

3. Winterize your swamp or evaporative cooler

Ensuring your swamp cooler is ready for winter will prevent damage and add years to the unit’s expected lifespan. The first thing you want to do is unplug the cooling unit from its power supply. It will help to avoid any injury as you perform the remaining tasks. Begin by turning off the water valve that supplies water to the swamp cooler. After that, you must drain the cooler and the collection pan completely. Most of the time, this pan collects hard water minerals, so it is a good idea to not only remove the water but clean the pan to remove things like lime and calcium. Lastly, change the cooler pads and cover the swamp cooler while it is not in use.

4. Repair any cracks that are around the base of your property

It is highly recommended that you inspect the foundation of your home or business for cracks every fall. It is also the case in the interior of your home or business, specifically in your basement. Even tiny cracks can lead to extensive foundation damage should water be allowed to seep into these abrasions. If you notice any issues, they need to be repaired as quickly as possible. October is always a great time of year to stay vigilant for any unnoticed water or sewer leaks. We have previously released articles about detecting hidden leaks; please read this article to learn more.

5. Have professionals thaw out frozen pipes

Even the best-laid plans can be broken if the weather gets extreme enough. If you notice any frozen pipes, it is essential to contact a Salt Lake City frozen pipe repair company as soon as possible. Reliable companies will have the ability and tools to thaw out your plumbing correctly.

Salt Lake City Plumbers

Call Plumbing Utah Heating & Air today at (801) 601-1208 if you need any help with leak detection, preventing water from entering your basement, or replacing pipes damaged due to freezing.