Winter Plumbing Checklist
Cold weather can take a serious toll on your plumbing, causing frozen pipes, leaks, or even major water damage. Whether you own a home, manage a commercial building, or oversee a rental property, taking proactive steps before temperatures drop can save you time, money, and stress.
Here’s your go-to winter plumbing checklist from the experts at VanMech:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas (like crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls) are especially vulnerable to freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect them before temperatures drop.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up and freeze inside your plumbing. Be sure to disconnect, drain, and store all garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets from the inside if possible.
3. Check for Leaks
Even a small drip can become a major issue in freezing weather. Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and in basements for any signs of leaks or corrosion. If you spot anything unusual, get it fixed now before winter makes it worse.
4. Seal Drafty Areas
Cold air can reach your pipes through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Sealing these openings not only protects your plumbing, it improves your energy efficiency too.
5. Test Your Sump Pump
If your basement relies on a sump pump, test it before heavy rains or melting snow hit. A quick check now can prevent a flooded basement later.
6. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
In case a pipe bursts, you’ll need to act fast. Make sure everyone in your home or building knows where the main water shut-off valve is located.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection
VanMech offers seasonal plumbing inspections for homes, strata buildings, and commercial properties. Our licensed plumbers check for vulnerabilities, offer expert recommendations, and make sure your system is winter-ready.
Don’t Wait for a Freeze. Get Ahead of It!
Preventative plumbing maintenance is the best way to avoid emergencies and costly repairs during the winter season. VanMech Mechanical is here to help with winterization services, leak repairs, pipe insulation, and more.