How to Protect Your Plumbing System Against Freezing Temperatures

Your plumbing system is subjected to all types of different stressors. Changes in water quality are one thing that can affect pipes and appliances, but changes in temperature are another thing entirely. Cold weather can put a strain on your home’s plumbing, while freezing temperatures can add an entirely new set of adverse circumstances. They may not be all that common here in San Antonio, but they do happen from time to time, and it’s important to know how to respond to them.

The important thing to do is remember there are ways you can be proactive about protecting your systems from the elements. Working with trusted local plumbers in San Antonio, TX is a great way to verify you’ve done everything you can.

Get ahead of the weather

One common mistake homeowners make is waiting until the weather is actually freezing before they panic and worry about their plumbing. Don’t be like this—make your preparations early and feel confident that everything is squared away before things get cold. You should be doing things like wrapping exposed pipes, removing garden hoses, shutting off outside faucets (and covering them) and covering the vents around your foundation. These steps can help ensure cold weather is kept at bay.

You also want to know exactly where your main shutoff valve is located and use a spray like WD-40 to verify that it’s in good working order. It’s also always a good idea to call local plumbers in San Antonio, TX to inspect your property’s plumbing and make sure it’s good to go.

Once it’s freezing

When the mercury actually drops below freezing, it’s time to take further action. You can prevent pipes from freezing by making sure outside faucets are dripping 24 hours a day, for example, and you can open up cabinet doors under sinks to verify any exposed pipes are getting heated air circulated around them. If you have an unheated garage, shut off the water that leads to any appliances out there, as they’ll need to go dormant until the weather passes.

If you leave town

If you’re planning on leaving town for a while and a cold front is moving in, there are some steps you should take before you hit the road. You should leave your home heating system turned on (at a lower temperature than usual, but still feeling sure that the air is being warmed) and open all cabinets with plumbing inside them as suggested above. If you want to be extra safe, you should also activate the shutoff valve, since a freezing incident there could mean you’ll come home to a flooded basement or worse.

If you’d like local plumbers in San Antonio, TX to help winter-proof your home’s systems, we hope you’ll call the team at Big City Plumbing, LLC. We offer a variety of plumbing services, including repairs and appliance installations, to customers all over the area, and our special offers are always changing, so be sure to keep an eye on those for new updates. We hope you’ll consider us when your next plumbing job comes up!

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