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Is Your Home's Plumbing Ready for Winter? Key Maintenance Tips

Winter in Rapid City can bring freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls, and icy conditions that can put your plumbing system to the test. As the season changes, ensuring your plumbing is prepared to handle the challenges of cold weather is crucial. Proactive maintenance can prevent costly repairs, water damage, and inconvenience. In this article, our skilled Rapid City plumber & HVAC company pros will go over some essential tips to get your home's plumbing ready for winter:

1. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing issues. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can expand and cause the pipes to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage. Insulating your pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces, can prevent this problem. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect vulnerable pipes. Pay special attention to any exposed pipes near windows, exterior walls, or in unheated garages.

2. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Cold air can seep into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and exterior walls. This can increase your heating bills and make your plumbing system more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. Ensuring your home is properly sealed will help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, protecting your pipes and comfort.

3. Check and Maintain Your Water Heater

Winter is when your water heater works the hardest, so it's essential to ensure it's running efficiently. Check the temperature setting on your water heater and make sure it's set to 120°F to prevent overheating and ensure enough hot water. If you haven't had it serviced recently, consider scheduling a professional inspection. A plumber can flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce the heater's efficiency and cause long-term damage.

4. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

During periods of extreme cold, leaving your faucets dripping can help prevent your pipes from freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water, so a slow drip can keep the water flowing through the pipes. This is especially important for pipes located along exterior walls, where the temperature tends to drop the most.

5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets

Before the first frost, disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor spigots and store them indoors. Leaving hoses attached to faucets can trap water in the pipes, leading to frozen and burst pipes. Also, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. This simple step can save you from expensive repairs when the weather turns cold.

6. Inspect and Maintain Sump Pumps

If you have a sump pump, it's essential to inspect it before the snow begins to melt. Clogged or malfunctioning sump pumps can lead to basement flooding, especially during winter thaws. Ensure the pump is working correctly and the discharge pipe is clear of debris. If you haven't already, consider installing a backup power source for your sump pump to ensure it works during power outages.

7. Know the Location of Your Water Shutoff Valve

In case a pipe does burst or you experience a plumbing emergency, it's essential to know where your main water shutoff valve is located. Be sure that the valve is easily accessible and in good working condition. If you're unsure of its location or how to operate it, take the time to familiarize yourself with it before winter sets in.