Preparing Your Home For Winter

Posted on: January 3, 2017
By: Baker Brothers
Posted in: Preventative Maintenance, Freezing, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Heating

The chilly months always hit a little late in Texas. We expect temperatures to drop below freezing and often without any warning. Don’t be caught off guard this winter without the proper preparation. Without it, your pipes can burst and lead to expensive repairs. In order to prepare your home for winter, there are 6 steps we recommend you take.

1. Take a look at your heater.

While you may have already turned it on a few times this season, it’s important to make sure that your heater has been serviced and is in proper working order. The last thing you want is for your heater to unexpectedly go out and have your pipes exposed to freezing temperatures.

2. Take a look at your A/C.

Although the weather here can be drastic from day to day, it is still a good idea to prepare your A/C unit for the cold days. Simply locate the hoses, pipes, and drain pan outside the unit and drain them. For additional protection, cover the entire unit, only while it is off, with plastic to prevent the cold and moisture from getting inside. If too much moisture gets inside, it will eventually cause rust and a shorter life for your unit.

3. Turn off water to outdoor faucets.

The faucets exposed directly to the cold, such as what you use to hook up your water hose, are especially vulnerable to cracking and bursting. Make sure that your water hose is drained and disconnected. If you have a separate valve for outside faucets, shut it off and allow the faucets to drain. Leftover water in these outdoors faucets are easy to freeze, which can cause a burst pipe.

4. Drip your indoor faucets.

When the temperature is below freezing, turn on your indoor faucets just enough where there is a slight drip every few seconds. This allows water to continuously move rather than be stagnant and freeze. Unlike outdoor faucets, this is done because you will need to use these faucets every day, unlike the outdoor faucets you should shut off.

5. Winterize water pipes exposed to cold.

Other than dripping your faucets, your indoor pipes may require additional care. Consider the pipes that you may have in your garage or attic. By wrapping these pipes with insulation, you can prevent these pipes from freezing. Not only is this helpful for the longevity of your pipes, but the added protection from the cold allows your energy for heated water to flow more efficiently.

6. Keep Baker Brothers Plumbing in your phonebook.

Having a great plumber that you can trust is key to successfully preparing or repairing your home for any inclement weather. Whether you need us to help you keep your pipes warm, repair one that burst, or give your heater a tune-up, call us today at 214-892-2225. Our team is here to make sure you have a safe and warm winter.