The Ultimate Winter Plumbing Checklist


If you’re not too fond of harsh winters, Texas is the right place for you. The state hardly experiences snow, but we do see the occasional frost and ice. But even though winters here are mostly mild, you still need to gear up to have a comfortable experience.

When we say gear up, we don’t just mean stocking up your wardrobe with warm socks and jumpers. We’re talking about making sure that all your plumbing lines and fixtures are looked after.

Here’s a checklist to help you through the process:

Insulate all the water pipes

It’s a common misconception that pipes can only freeze over if the temperature drops really low. This is not true. Temperature is a main contributing factor, but it can still happen if the pipes aren’t well-insulated.

Pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing are ones that are situated in attics, crawlspaces, and basements. This is because these places are not well-ventilated.

You’ll have to get in touch with a professional plumbing service to get plumbing lines insulated. You can also use Styrofoam for this purpose.

Other than that, make sure that the pipes receive a generous flow of air. All of these measures will make sure that your pipes don’t burst.


Check for leaks

You’ll probably see a hike in your utility bills in the winter because of increased usage of water heaters and boilers. But these bills can skyrocket if your plumbing fixtures are leaking.

Close all faucets and see if they’re still dripping. Get all your pipes inspected—you definitely don’t want any warm water being wasted. Other fixtures that need to be checked for leaks are the toilet, geyser lines, and thermostat.

Water heater service

A consistent flow of warm water is crucial for survival in winters. You need to make sure your water heater is in fully-functioning condition.

Turn your water heater on and see if it’s heating water well. If it’s not, it probably needs repairs. This is evident if the water is lukewarm, rusty, or runs out quickly. If the water is reddish-brown, either the tank or the pipes have been corroded. You can confirm this by testing the water.

Additionally, be on the lookout for weird noises and mineral deposits on the surface of the heater.
Only a professional plumbing service will only be able to tell you whether your heater needs to be repaired or replaced altogether.

Want to get a plumbing inspection carried out? Call up Pro Serve Plumbing if you’re based in Fort Worth. Have a good time prepping for winters! 

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