Tips to Winterize Your Home

When preparing for the Winter Season it is important to take necessary steps to winterize your home. Frigid weather can be particularly hard on pipes and the consequences of neglecting plumbing maintenance at this time of year can be particularly costly. Frozen pipes not only disrupt the supply of water until they thaw, but a pipe that ruptures due to freezing can discharge thousands of gallons into your home or lawn in a very short time. Avoid these costly issues and protect your home with these quick winterizing tips.

• Insulate exterior pipes - Foam insulation sleeves can be slipped over pipes without disconnecting the pipe. Place on all spans of water supply lines that are susceptible to the elements.
• Insulated outdoor faucet cover - Disconnect hoses and install covers to prevent winter freeze up.
• Mind the temperature - Do not allow your home to fall below 55 degrees. If you plan to be away make sure to keep your thermostat adjusted accordingly.
• Circulation - Open cabinets that have plumbing fixtures to allow warmer air to circulate.
• Go with the Flow - One of the best plumbing winterization tips is as easy as turning on the faucet. Since moving water will not freeze, simply open the cold water tap to allow a small trickle to flow through.

It is also important to remember that during the colder months your landscaping will not require the same amount of irrigation as during the warmer months. If you plan to shut off your irrigation system for the year, there are steps you can take to winterize and protect from broken pipes and spray heads.

• Shut off the water supply.
• Turn off the timer.
• Drain the water.
• Insulate above ground components - Main shut off valve, exposed pipes, Backflow preventers, etc.