By Teri Silver

It may not seem like it, but winter really does have its advantages. Beyond snow and cold temperatures, winter is the time for curling up in front of a blazing fireplace and settling in for a cozy cold season. Before you can do that, though, you must prepare your home’s plumbing system for its cold season.

The average water bill for a family of four is about $73 per month. That amount varies from summer to winter but damaged plumbing can really bump that price up. To avoid bursting water lines, here are some essential tips for homeowners.

Protect the Pipes

Water runs through pipes all the time but when the thermometer dips below freezing (32 degrees F), the plumbing system works harder to keep things flowing, even if your property is completely waterproofed.

Wrap exposed pipes in foam covering. Insulating hot water pipes raises their temperature about 2 to 4 degrees. Covered pipes reduce the chance of freezing, especially if they lay dormant for a long period of time. Warmer pipes save energy when you lower the temperature of the hot water tank.

Fix or replace leaky pipes that can split and potentially burst.

Open access panels and cabinets for warm “house” air to flow inward toward the plumbing.

Set the house thermostat at no lower than 60 degrees. (You’ll probably want it warmer than that!)

Allow faucets to drip when temperatures are at 32 degrees or below.

By the way, if you’re caring for a home that is unoccupied, set the thermostat above freezing (50-60 degrees is recommended) and allow a small trickle of water to flow through a couple of sink faucets.

Outside Maintenance

Water freezes easily in outdoor lines. To avoid damage, remove hoses from outdoor spigots. Tighten water shut-off valves because loose or leaking faucets may lead to waterline breaks. Replace stripped, hard-to-turn faucet heads and washers.   

Gutters and Sewers

Cleaning out the house’s gutters after autumn’s leaf drop helps rainwater to flow freely through a downspout. Clogged gutters push water over the sides of the roof, and that may damage siding and crack the building foundation. Clean the gutters at least once every six months.    

Underground sewers connect to pipes and water systems. Heavily clogged, gunky sewage systems are no fun to clean, but if they’re not, they can lead to a real mess. While store-bought drain cleaners help with light clogs, thick masses have water backing up out of drains. That messy mass will head for toilets and sinks. Maintaining sewage lines is best done by a professional.

Sprinkling Systems

Hose-attached sprinklers are easy to care for — just drain and put them away for the winter. But preparing an automatic watering system for winter ensures its use for the next season. Drain the sprinkler system by

• Opening and emptying all valves by hand. Automatic systems may have flush valves that empty themselves.

• Air compressors (with 40-50 PSI) are helpful in blowing water out of lines. If you cannot DIY, hire a plumber or irrigation specialist.

• After draining water from the system, remove the timer, filter, and pressure regulator. Seal the open faucet to protect it from water, dirt, and bugs.   

Tip: A water line break could lead to low water pressure and noticeable dripping. Signs of water leaking are puddles of water, sinking soil, and bubbling water on the ground.   

Tree Root Damage

Chances are you have a couple of large trees on your Illinois property. Root systems spreading into and under pipes, sewer lines, masonry, and asphalt can damage the house plumbing. Inspect and remove tree roots from live (and dead or chopped down trees) as needed.

At the same time, grass and other plants in the yard grow thickening roots that dig their way underground, through the house’s plumbing.

Nearby Sewers

Sewage systems are connected to houses from main lines called laterals. Lines filled with water, shifting soil, and other debris can crack, especially if they freeze in winter’s frigid temperatures. Because roots are strong enough to crush pipes, it’s a good idea to have them inspected periodically.

Frozen pipes are not only a hassle to deal with but the cost of repair or replacing can be through the roof. Protect the pipes and prep your to-do list now to get a head start before the snow falls.

Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.