Winterize
Let’s take a look at some of the steps homeowners can take to prepare their houses for safety this winter. Most of these are going to be plumbing-oriented, especially when it comes to preventing frozen pipes, but I’ll also throw in a couple of things you can do pertaining to heating systems.
Drain the Pipes
Starting with plumbing, it’s a good idea to make sure all the outside plumbing is protected. If you have an outside shower, sink, or outdoor piping, it needs to be winterized. This basically means the water needs to be removed so that it doesn’t freeze and burst. Any outdoor hose faucets should be turned off and drained. For any freeze-proof hydrants make sure the hoses are disconnected so that they don’t freeze.
Close and Secure the Openings
Next, make sure that the covers over well casings, crawlspace doors, and anywhere else on your home or plumbing are secure and tight. Crawlspaces have ventilation holes/vents which should be closed in the winter and opened back up in the summer. In outdoor buildings with insulation, sometimes the insulation might get wet. If it needs to be replaced, it’s a smart idea to do so before we get into longer periods of freezing temperatures.
Check Your Heating System
On the HVAC side, probably the best thing to do is get your heating system checked. It’s definitely working the hardest during the coldest days of the season, and you don’t want it to give out when you need it most. It’s a good idea to get the system checked when the weather is still more mild. Make sure it’s operating properly, the filters are clean, and the components are working efficiently. Once it gets really cold, you’ll be secure knowing the heating system will be able to keep your home warm and comfortable.
If you have any questions about prepping your house for a safe winter this year, reach out to the team at Wisler Plumbing and Air. Contact us online or give us a call at 540-483-9382.
