Winter is coming and that means it’s time to weather-proof your home from the inside out. Cincinnati winters can bring heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. These swings in the weather are tough on your home, and your plumbing is often the first thing to be affected. A burst pipe or a flooded basement can cause thousands of dollars in damage, but most of it is preventable with a little work before temperatures plummet.
From garden hoses and gutters, to windows and exposed pipes, we are sharing things you can easily do to prepare your home for snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
Before we share your winter “to-do” list, it will help to know what you’re up against. Here are three of the most common winter plumbing problems that Cincinnati homeowners experience:
The good news: we have included 8 easy steps below that can help prevent at least one of these problems. And if you are not sure where to start, we are providing a recommended timeline to help you spread the work over three months so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
Step 1 (October): Clean gutters and check downspouts to ensure they are free from blockages.
Do you love the sight of icicles on your gutters after a snow or ice storm? As beautiful as they are to look at, icicles are actually a sign of clogged gutters that can cause water damage to your home. To prevent those beautiful icicles from forming, clean out your gutters by removing all leaves and debris. Check the downspout to make sure it is also not clogged. A few ways to know if your downspout is clogged is to look for water stains or pooling around the downspout or overflowing gutters. If a clog exists, remove all debris from the downspout and then position the downspout so it is pointing away from the house.
Step 2 (October): Check all windows and doors for air leaks.
Windows and doors that aren’t sealed properly can let air in from the outside, causing your heating bill to spike. Don’t let that happen! Inspect the doors and windows (especially in the basement) for gaps and air leaks. If the window or door is loose or you can see light coming through the gap, this means it isn’t sealed properly. It is very likely that your weather stripping and/or caulk has deteriorated. Replace the weather stripping and recaulk around the window or door to ensure a proper seal.
Step 3 (October): Check garage doors and other areas for air leakage.
The garage may be the catch-all for household clutter, but it shouldn’t be overlooked when preparing for winter. Hidden pipes above the garage ceiling can be susceptible to freezing if the garage doors are not sealed properly. Check the perimeter of your garage door for gaps and air leaks. If leaks are found, this can be easily fixed by adding weather stripping to the top and sides of the garage door. If you have other unheated areas in your home, check those for air leaks and gaps as well. Seal and insulate these areas as needed.
Step 4 (November): Turn off water to outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses.
Did you know that outdoor garden hoses can freeze and burst when temperatures drop below freezing? Even frost-proof faucets can freeze if the hose is attached, and water is trapped in the faucet. In addition to disconnecting your hoses, you’ll want to completely turn off the water to your outdoor faucets through your home’s shut-off valves, if your home is so equipped. After turning off the valves, open your outdoor faucets to ensure all the water has drained out. We recommend leaving it open all winter to be safe.
Step 5 (November): Remove lawn sprinkler backflow preventer and store inside.
If your backflow preventer was installed with unions, you can easily remove the backflow preventer and store it inside for the winter. Doing this yourself is easier than you think. Check out this short tutorial video from 2 Minute Garden Tips to get started.
Step 6 (December): Clean sump pump basins and check pump operation.
Watching the seasons change in Cincinnati is a beautiful sight. But the changing tree colors and crisp snow also means the potential for heavy rain or snow that can lead to flooding. Follow these easy steps to make sure your sump pump is ready for action:
Step 7 (December): Adjust your water heater temperature and faucet valves.
Have you ever noticed that your shower isn’t quite as hot as you like it in the winter? When outdoor temperatures drop, the temperature of the underground water lines leading into your home drop as well. This means the water going into your shower faucet is also colder – which leads to cooler showers.
Fixing it is easy! You can easily adjust the valve on your shower yourself. Click on Delta or Moen to watch an easy tutorial based on your shower valve brand. To adjust the temperature on your water heater, refer to your owner’s manual for the appropriate instructions and temperature guidelines.
Step 8 (December): Insulate any exposed pipes in the garage or other unheated areas.
If your garage or other unheated areas in your home have exposed pipes, you will want to make sure they are covered with pipe insulation to prevent freezing. Check out this tutorial video from Home Depot on how to wrap your pipes with insulation, and which insulation to choose for your exposed pipes.
While this checklist is for the avid DIY’er, some situations call for a professional. Call a licensed Cincinnati plumber if you notice any of the following:
If you’re searching for a plumber near you in Cincinnati, Blue Chip Plumbing is always happy to help with your winterization needs. Contact us here or call us today at (513) 999-6820 if you need assistance, or to get a free quote on any of our plumbing services.
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Water freezes at 32°F, but your pipes won’t necessarily freeze the moment the temperature dips that low. Pipes inside heated parts of your home are fairly well protected. The real risk starts when temperatures fall to around 20°F or below and stay there for several hours, especially for pipes in unheated spaces, along exterior walls, or without insulation. Wind chill and blasts of cold air can make a vulnerable pipe freeze even faster.
Should I drip my faucets during extreme cold?
Yes. When a hard freeze is in the forecast, let faucets that are exposed or exterior-wall pipes drip slowly. Moving water is harder to freeze, and a small drip also relieves pressure that builds up between an ice blockage and a closed faucet, which is what often causes a pipe to burst. A thin, steady drip is enough. It doesn’t need to be a stream.
Should I open my cabinet doors in freezing weather?
It’s a good idea. Opening the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially on exterior walls, lets warm air from your home reach the pipes. If you have young children or pets, move any household cleaners and chemicals out of reach first.
What temperature should I keep my house at when it’s freezing outside?
Keep your thermostat at the same setting day and night during a cold snap. If you’re traveling, don’t turn the heat off completely. Blue Chip Plumbing suggests keeping it set to at least 55°F so your pipes stay protected while you’re away.
What should I do if I think a pipe is frozen?
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or nothing at all, you may have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open, then try gently warming the pipe with a hair dryer or heating pad, working from the faucet toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame, such as a torch, to thaw a pipe. If you can’t find the frozen spot, can’t reach it, or can see signs of a crack, shut off your water at the main valve and call a plumber right away.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the water at your main shut-off valve right away. Then turn off the electricity to any affected area if you can do so safely, open faucets to drain the remaining water, and call a licensed plumber. It’s smart to find your main shut-off valve now, before you need it, and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
