Winter in Indianapolis can be harsh on your home’s plumbing, leading to frozen pipes, leaks, and costly repairs. Knowing how to prepare your plumbing system before temperatures drop is essential to avoid these problems.
In this blog, we cover key winter plumbing tips Indianapolis homeowners can use to protect their pipes, maintain water flow, and stay worry-free all season long.
Close Off Outdoor Water Access
Your outdoor faucets face the most from the winter weather. Be sure to shut off any outdoor water access before the first frost. Otherwise, water sitting in these features can freeze and expand, causing damage and potential bursts later on. Likewise, detach and drain any garden hoses you may have attached to these water sources.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
One of the most crucial winter plumbing tips in Indianapolis is to prepare and protect your pipes.
Older Indianapolis homes are especially vulnerable due to aging plumbing systems. Over time, pipes can develop corrosion, leaks, or thinning walls, making them less able to handle freezing temperatures. To prevent frozen pipes:
- Keep your home heated
- Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Use heating tape to keep pipes warm
- Open cabinet doors
- Seal any cracks or entrances
If you discover that a pipe has already frozen, take action immediately—either carefully follow these recommended steps or contact a licensed plumbing professional to prevent a costly burst and water damage.
Maintain Your Water Heater
As the weather gets colder, you’ll be relying on warm water more and more. Regular water heater maintenance, including draining, descaling, and flushing, is always recommended at least once a year. Without this maintenance, you risk your heater quitting on you just when you need it most. If you have yet to have your water heater serviced, it’s important to do so before the snow hits and you end up with no hot water.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even the most diligent homeowners can miss potential threats to their plumbing. It’s always smart to have an Indianapolis plumbing professional come out and do an inspection of your plumbing system to make sure it is working in top order and ready for the upcoming winter weather.
Taking preventive steps now can save you from expensive and stressful plumbing issues later. From insulating pipes to keeping your home warm, these winter plumbing tips Indianapolis homeowners rely on will help you protect your home throughout the cold months.
At Ciriello Plumbing, we promise expertise, honesty, and efficiency to the homes and businesses we service in Greater Indianapolis, including Carmel, Fishers, & Greenwood. From residential plumbing repairs to commercial installations, our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service. For reliable plumbing services you can trust, contact Ciriello Plumbing Solutions today.
