Don’t look now, but winter is definitely on its way. While the snow is a hassle, it’s the freezing cold temperatures that can cause plumbing nightmares. As plumbers in NYC, we’d like to draw your attention to those areas where a little time and attention now can save you from burst pipes later.
What Does It Mean to Winterize Plumbing?
Winterizing your plumbing means preparing it for cold weather. If you have a property that’s going to be vacant or unused for any reason over the next 3-5 months, have your NYC plumber help you out. Winterizing the plumbing for empty properties includes draining the hot water tank and piping, and refilling the system with an antifreeze solution that will protect your pipes during the coldest months. When the winter’s over, your NYC plumber can help you flush out your pipes and get your property ready to be used again.
It’s relatively rare for property in NYC to go unused for long. This means winterization can look a little different. Any outdoor water faucets or spigots will need to be drained before freezing temps arrive. If you have any hoses attached to these faucets, they must be drained and removed. If you don’t do this, the water in the hose will freeze and your hose will be ruined. It’s also a good idea to insulate your exterior faucets for the season.
Preventing your NYC plumbing from freezing involves identifying the pipes most likely to be exposed to cold temperatures. These pipes are often in the basement area or on exterior walls. Insulating pipes helps protect them from winter’s wrath.
It’s also important to understand the role your building’s heating system has in preventing frozen pipes. If the boiler or furnace is doing its job, your pipes will be too warm to freeze. The majority of frozen pipes happen after the home’s heating system doesn’t perform adequately. That’s why it’s important to have your heating system serviced annually!