It’s tough to accept it, but it’s true: summer is behind us and the colder months are rolling in. When winter comes, you have a new pile of problems on your plate: changing your car tires, upgrading your jacket, and remembering to bring your hat and gloves everywhere. One thing that you shouldn’t forget about is preparing your plumbing for this chilly season—otherwise, you might have to deal with a burst pipe, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You want to avoid this worst-case scenario, but you can’t control the weather. What you can control is how well-protected your plumbing and HVAC system is against the cold. Follow these five steps to winterize your home:

1.Schedule a furnace inspection. What’s the number one way to keep your plumbing safe? By heating your home with a high-efficiency furnace. If your house is cold, then your pipes will be too. Your plumbing system relies on a well-heated house to function properly. Paying for semi-annual maintenance of your HVAC system is much less expensive than a repair or replacement. Many homeowners turn down their heaters to save money on bills, but consider this: keeping your home toasty will protect your plumbing and be more comfortable. Replace the filters and schedule repairs for any issues that arise. If your home is too chilly, you might be stuck repairing a burst pipe. 

2. Don’t go on vacation before protecting your plumbing system. You’ve had a stressful year, and you’re ready to take a vacation and leave your home behind. Just keep in mind these tips, which will keep your plumbing safe while you’re away. It’s recommended that you find the main service valve and shut the water off. This will prevent major damage from occurring if a pipe freezes. Then, allow water to drain from the taps by opening them. Finally, don’t leave behind any unresolved issues, or you may come home to a disaster. Be aware of signs your septic tank needs cleaning—every homeowner’s worst nightmare is a backed-up sewer drain. If you’re away from home, who will be there to call a plumber when an emergency occurs? You can ask a neighbor or family member to inspect your home every few days to make sure no problems arise. Taking the time to protect your home from winter’s wrath will allow you to fully enjoy your vacation. 

3. Maintain your water heater. What’s more relieving than a hot shower or bath on a cold winter day? To enjoy this heavenly experience, you’ll need a water heater that’s in prime condition. After all, what’s the point of efficient plumbing if you don’t have hot water to run through the pipes? Get your water heater inspected before the outdoor temperatures plummet—it’s best to catch a plumber in their off-season, as they’ll be less busy. A professional can drain your water heater to clear out debris, minerals, and other sediments; this keeps your tank in top shape. On that note, fix any leaking faucets! Leakage wastes gallons of water each year, which will cost you money and waste a valuable resource.

4. Insulate your pipes. Just as we wear extra layers of clothing in the winter, your pipes need additional insulation to withstand the cold. They contain water that freezes easily in frigid temperatures; this will create intense pressure which makes pipes burst open. Visit your local hardware store and purchase foam insulation for pipe covers—they’re like parkas for your plumbing. Don’t forget about pipes in unheated areas, like sunrooms or basements. It’s a good idea to consider a home plumbing inspection to make sure your pipes can handle the cold weather. A plumber can locate any cracks or faults in your plumbing, and repair them before winter blows in.

5. Watch for exposed outdoor valves. Winterize any outdoor faucets, pipes, and valves so that they aren’t damaged by the cold weather. The grass in your front yard was your pride and joy in the summer, but now it’s completely covered up. There’s no need for sprinklers and water hoses when your lawn is buried beneath snow, so you may consider storing these tools elsewhere—make sure you disconnect and drain hoses from valves to prevent them from cracking. Shut off outdoor water supplies and apply the appropriate insulation. Lingering water in your garden hose can freeze and break it, which will be a problem when it’s time to tend to your lawn next season. Pipes that are outside your home aren’t heated, so it’s crucial to insulate them to protect them from frost. You can buy a hose bib to protect your outdoor systems. 

Winter is a lot more manageable when you’re prepared for it. Even if it’s your favorite season, it’s probably your least favorite when it comes to plumbing issues. Homeowners dread the coming of this cold season not only for its weather, but for the havoc it wreaks on their property. Plumbing is an essential system in your home; by winterizing your pipes and appliances for this season, you’ll be able to enjoy it calmly, with hot chocolate, warm fires, and thick sweaters. 

Guest Contributor: Christie Simon