San Antonio’s Pipe Winterization Guide
When temperatures drop, preparing your home’s plumbing is essential to avoid system damage and keep water flowing smoothly. DrainWorks in San Antonio, TX, is here to help you get your home ready for winter with a few key tips. This comprehensive guide will prepare your kitchen and bathroom plumbing systems for the chilly temperatures.
From winter preparation to postseason plumbing repairs, you can trust our local plumbers to maintain the integrity of your fixtures.
How Do You Winterize Your Home?
Proper pipe winterization can prevent problems like frozen or burst pipes, which cause water damage and extensive pipe leaks. Even in mild climates like San Antonio’s, unexpected cold spells can impact your plumbing system.
A few precautions can significantly help protect your pipes. Follow the tips below to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
1. Drain And Shut Off Exterior Faucets
One of the simplest steps to prepare for winter is to drain outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses. Leaving hoses connected to faucets can trap water inside the fixture, making it more susceptible to freezing and expanding in colder weather.
To prevent this, find the water shut-off valve for these faucets and turn off the supply. Open each faucet to drain any remaining water and store hoses indoors for the season. Doing so can help protect your outdoor plumbing.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, garages or crawl spaces, are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Wrapping pipes with foam insulation sleeves helps maintain warmth. This cover shields them from freezing temperatures.
Pipes and faucets that can’t be drained should be protected with insulated covers or faucet protectors to reduce the risk of freezing.
3. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Maintaining a steady indoor temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing, especially in homes with less insulation or in specific areas that are colder.
To achieve this, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit — even if you’re away from home. In addition, opening cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms allows warm air to circulate around pipes, which is especially useful for those on exterior walls.
Can You Put Antifreeze In Your Pipes?
Using antifreeze in plumbing pipes is typically not recommended for home water systems. However, in some cases, antifreeze can be used for pipes in seasonal homes or vacation cabins that won’t be occupied for extended periods.
For closed plumbing systems that will be unused during winter, antifreeze may help prevent freezing. Be sure to use a non-toxic antifreeze specifically designed for plumbing — automotive antifreeze is hazardous and should never be used in home pipes.
Contact DrainWorks for more information on the use of antifreeze in your plumbing system.
What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Even with preparation, sudden drops in temperature can sometimes freeze pipes. Here are a few ways to safely thaw frozen piping and prevent further issues:
- Turn off the water supply — If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn off the main water supply to reduce the risk of a burst.
- Keep faucets open — As water begins to melt, it will flow through open taps in your system. Leaving faucets open can also help relieve pressure in the system.
- Use gentle heat to thaw — Apply heat using a portable space heater, hair dryer or warm towels to the frozen section of the pipe. Avoid using open flames or propane heaters, as these can damage pipes and pose a fire risk.
- Call a plumber for repair — If you’re unable to thaw the pipe or believe it has burst, contact DrainWorks for expert assistance.
Protect Your San Antonio Plumbing With DrainWorks
By following these winterization tips, you can help prevent pipe freezing and protect your home from winter plumbing issues. At DrainWorks, we understand every home is unique. Our San Antonio plumbers are here to provide professional assistance and services tailored to your home’s needs.
Do you need further assistance winterizing your pipes? Contact DrainWorks today to learn more about our services and ensure your plumbing system is ready for the colder months.
