Minnesotan winters are tough to brave, even for the veterans who have lived here all their lives. Between the tremendous amounts of snow we see each year and the freezing cold temperatures we’re subjected to, not to mention the howling winds and frequent ice storms, it’s all anyone can do to keep warm and stay safe! Generally, this is best done by staying inside and taking advantage of the protection our homes have to offer.
Even our homes aren’t completely safe from the inclement nature of the winter season, however. In fact something as catastrophic as a burst pipe or other variety of wintertime plumbing woe can be enough to compromise your living space in a major way. This is why it’s imperative to work with a plumbing contractor in Grand Rapids, MN to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready to bear the brunt of the season.
Inspections and checks
The first and most important thing to do before the winter weather blows through town is to have your home’s plumbing thoroughly and comprehensively inspected by a trained plumbing professional. This means everything from hookups to exposed plumbing, drains to faucets and everything in between. Knowing there isn’t already a problem lurking is the first step to preventing major wintertime plumbing disasters.
Winterization of plumbing
Once you’re sure that there’s nothing wrong with your plumbing and that any preexisting issues are resolved, it’s important to start winterizing your plumbing. This simply means taking the necessary steps in making sure that you’re doing everything you can to prepare your pipes for the brutally cold weather they’re about to face. Some common winterization techniques include:
- Turning off external spigots, draining them and covering them.
- Insulating exposed plumbing in your home.
- Insulate crawl spaces and plumbing cabinets where plumbing may be housed.
These are just a few items that can be broadly considered when winterizing your home’s plumbing—it’s best to consult with a plumbing contractor in Grand Rapids, MN about your home’s specific and unique winterization needs.
Planning for problems
Even after a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing and proper winterization techniques, Minnesota winters can still wreck your plumbing with subzero temperatures and extended periods of deep freeze conditions, making it imperative to plan ahead for problems that may or may not arise. Some tips include:
- Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is and how to turn your water off properly.
- Investing in a space heater or two, to help defrost frozen sections of plumbing if they occur.
- Having extra plumbing supplies on hand in the event of a minor problem or for while you’re waiting for a plumber to arrive.
Taking the steps to making sure your home’s plumbing is prepped for winter will save you the trouble of being an unsuspecting victim once the cold weather finally arrives in force. Work with a local plumbing contractor in Grand Rapids, MN today to see what else you could be doing to protect your home from winter’s wrath.