How To Winterize Your Plumbing In San Angelo, TX

Wintertime in San Angelo can be a season of comfort, from enjoying the Concho Winter Lights festival to cozying up indoors with some hot chocolate. However, maintaining this comforting feeling requires precaution. To avoid common plumbing repairs, homeowners need to take steps to protect their plumbing from harsh temperatures.

A few winterization tips Lone Star Contracting covers include:

• Applying insulation to exposed pipes
• Sealing entry points with caulk or weatherstripping
• Allowing faucets to drip to avoid pipe bursts
• Disconnecting sprinkler and hose systems
• Closing garage doors during bouts of cold
• Opening cabinets when temperatures dip below freezing

Freezing pipes can damage your home, leading to plumbing repair services and inconvenience. Lone Star Contracting understands the importance of winterizing your plumbing. We guide you through the process to ensure your pipes remain functional all season long.

Why Winterizing Plumbing Is Crucial In San Angelo

Temperatures in San Angelo can drop significantly, which can cause water inside your pipes to freeze and expand. This expansion puts intense pressure on your plumbing, leading to pipe cracks or bursts. These conditions can inflict water damage to your home, disrupt your daily activities and lead to expensive repairs.

By winterizing your plumbing, you’re taking proactive steps to prevent these issues. Keep your home safe and your plumbing system intact by preparing accordingly and not putting off plumbing repairs.

How To Winterize Plumbing: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you’re wondering how to winterize pipes, the most important step is insulation. Pipes that are exposed to the elements — such as those in attics, basements and crawl spaces — are at risk of freezing. By adding foam insulation or pipe sleeves, you help protect these pipes from freezing temperatures.

At Lone Star Contracting, we recommend focusing on pipes that are in unheated areas of your home. These areas are especially vulnerable during cold snaps.

2. Seal Gaps And Cracks

Air drafts can lead to colder temperatures around your pipes, which increases the risk of freezing. Inspect areas around your home where pipes are located, especially near windows, doors and walls. Seal any gaps or cracks by applying caulk or weather stripping to keep the cold air from reaching your plumbing.

This step makes a significant difference in maintaining a warm environment around your pipes.

3. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to leave a small stream of water running from your faucets. This trick can help prevent frozen pipes by keeping the water moving through the system. You don’t need to let the water run full force — a slow, consistent drip will do.

Faucets located in colder areas of your home, such as exterior walls, should be prioritized. This tip is especially useful for outdoor spigots that you can’t easily insulate.

4. Disconnect And Drain Outdoor Hoses

Winter preparation also involves addressing the outdoor fixtures. Before the first freeze, disconnect and drain any garden hoses and sprinkler systems. Store them inside to prevent any water left in the hoses from freezing and damaging the pipes.

Consider applying insulated covers to your outdoor faucets to provide an added layer of protection.

5. Keep Garage Doors Closed

If your home has a garage with plumbing running through it, keeping the garage door closed during the winter can help maintain warmer temperatures around your pipes. If your garage is attached to the house, this will also help keep cold air from entering the living spaces. For additional protection, consider installing a space heater or insulating the garage door.

6. Open Cabinet Doors During Intense Cold

On particularly cold nights, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the temperature is expected to dip below freezing for an extended period, consider opening cabinet doors under sinks and vanities. Doing so allows the heat from your home to reach the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

When To Call A Plumber For Plumbing Winterization

If you’re unsure how to winterize pipes or need help with insulation, it’s always a good idea to call in an expert. At Lone Star Contracting, our San Angelo plumbers can support you with every aspect of plumbing winterization.

From pipe insulation to identifying vulnerabilities in your system, we’re here to make sure your home stays safe during the winter.

Avoid San Angelo Plumbing Repairs With Seasonal Care

Winterization is a crucial step in preventing damage during the colder months. By following the steps above, you can protect your pipes from freezing and avoid damage. However, if you need assistance or want a professional to handle your plumbing prep, Lone Star Contracting is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!