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Essential Tips Before the Freeze

With the coming of the winter season in Vancouver, safeguarding the plumbing system of your house against the freezing temperatures is the very first step of a long way that ultimately leads to expensive repairs and water damage. Over the course of winter, Vancouver’s weather can hardly be compared with that of other areas in the sense that it is not as cold. However, still, the occasional very cold weather and frost can lead to the freezing of the pipes and their bursting, which thus causes a lot of trouble. By taking the preventive measures to winterize your plumbing, you will be able to get the most out of your home safety and comfort during the entire season.

Protecting the Pipes against Freezing

The pipes at the greatest risk of freezing are usually the ones located in places such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls that are not heated. In other words, here are some very important tips to protect your plumbing system:

• Insulation of Exposed Pipes: Make use of foam pipe insulation sleeves or heating tape to cover pipes, particularly those in the coldest parts of the house. Heat is kept in, and freezing is prevented during the cold spells by these materials.​ (Source)
• Close Gaps and Stop Drafts: The cold air coming in through the cracks around the windows, doors, and foundation walls can make the pipes cold. Do the sealing of these openings using weatherstripping or caulking so that the indoor temperatures will be a bit warmer and the plumbing will be protected.​ (Source)
• Unplug and Empty Outdoor Hoses: Detach the garden hoses and turn off the exterior water supply at the valves to the hose bibs. If the hoses are left attached, the water inside them may freeze and eventually cause the pipes to burst. Let the remaining water out of the outdoor faucets and put the hoses away indoors until spring.​ (Source)
• Frost-Free Hose Bibs: Think about changing your outdoor faucets to frost-free ones since these valves have the shut-off inside the warm part of the house, which is meant to keep water from freezing in the pipe’s vulnerable sections. (Source)

Interior Plumbing Care

Keeping your indoor pipes safe is equally important:

• Keep Your Home Warm: Even if you are not at home, it is recommended that you keep your thermostat at a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to protect against pipe freezing. Opening cabinet doors under sinks will enable warm air to circulate around the plumbing area. (Source)
• Let Faucets Drip: Draining a small amount of water through the taps that are connected with the susceptible pipes will keep the water moving, thus reducing the likelihood of freezing by releasing pressure build-up. (Source)
• Be Aware Of Your Main Shut-Off Valve: Know where your house’s main water shut-off valve is and test it. In an emergency, quickly turning off the water can limit the damage if a pipe bursts. (Source)

Professional Winterizing Services

If you are not sure about the vulnerability of your plumbing system or would like to have a full protection plan, consider hiring a professional plumber. Experts will be able to assist you with the following:

• Installing pipe insulation and heat trace cables for optimal warmth.
• Upgrading outdoor water fixtures to frost-free models.
• Performing system blow-outs to remove water from vulnerable pipes.
• Inspecting waterline burial depth and recommending improvements.​ (Source)

Contact AceTech for Winter Plumbing Protection

AceTech provides expert plumbing services in Vancouver to help you winterize and safeguard your home’s plumbing system. Don’t wait for freezing temperatures to cause damage—schedule your winter plumbing inspection and maintenance with AceTech today.

• Phone: (604) 555-1234
• Email: info@acetechltd.ca
• Website: https://acetechltd.ca

Keeping your pipes warm and protected makes for a worry-free winter season with no unexpected water damage or costly repairs. Let AceTech help you prepare your home for the freeze!