How to Winterize Your Plumbing System in Toronto

With today’s modern technology, you would naturally assume that winter plumbing issues are no longer a concern. You might think that burst pipes are a thing of the past and constant running hot water is the norm.

However, Mother Nature is smarter than technology, and with the winters getting colder and lasting longer, we need to be able to prepare and help our plumbing systems make it through the season without problems.

The Plumbing Basics

Before the winter sets in, and especially if you have just moved into a new residence, you should find all the water shut-off valves in the home.

Check each bathroom, kitchen, basement area, and even the outside spaces. In any kind of emergency, these valves will help to reduce the risk of further damage to the property and accompanying high bills as a result of flooding.

Keep a small “tool kit” on hand that contains towels, a bucket, a plunger, and some plumbing tape. Place various tool kits in the basement, main floor, and upper floors so that in an emergency you are not rushing to find the items you need.

If you would like to take an extra step in winterizing your home, a reliable plumber in Toronto can assess your plumbing system and provide optimal protection.

Keep the Temperature Warm

Modern thermostats are fantastic for helping to regulate the heating in the house. You can turn it up so that the house is warm when you get home, and then lower it while you are at work.

As the days and nights get colder, you want to keep the temperature up a little higher than normal. The warmer temperature will help to prevent the pipes from freezing and reduce the risk of leaks and bursts at the same time. 

If you’re uncertain about temperature settings, consult a professional plumber in Toronto on how to maintain the heat in your home while protecting your pipes.

Maintain the Air Flow

Warm air works best when it can easily flow throughout the house. Keep the vents open so that the air can circulate and easily heat each room. This not only helps to keep the pipes warm, but also prevents a build-up of moisture that can lead to mould.

For spaces where you are not frequenting often, keep the cabinet doors open under the sinks, as well as any shower doors. This will help the warm air to freely fill the room and heat up the pipes.

Keep Out the Cold

Basements and garages are notorious for having cracks and gaps that allow cold air to find its way in.

Check these areas to find the weak spots and seal them so that the cold air cannot enter and cause ice to build up on any exposed pipes. Even small things like putting draft excluders down along door frames and windows will help to reduce the amount of cold air entering a room.

The Less Used Rooms

The kitchen and main bathrooms get used all the time, and are thus usually clean and at little risk of freezing or leaking pipes.

However, the smaller guest toilets or bathrooms in the basement that are used less often are at more risk. With less usage than that of the other main rooms, it is advisable to run the taps and flush the toilets periodically. Even running the shower for a few minutes will help the water flow. 

Check the Insulation

Insulation only works well when it is in good condition. Basements should have extra insulation due to being under the ground, and therefore having a naturally colder environment.

The pipe network that runs through this space needs to have the proper insulation to prevent freezing. As the pipes here come from external sources in order to send the water to your home, they need to be cared for so that they continue to provide water throughout the house, and not just flood the basement. 

All the pipes leading back out to places like backyard faucets should also have their insulation checked and replaced if it is damaged or old. Your local plumber in Toronto can check all the insulation easily and advise you on any repairs required.

Outdoor Plumbing

During the cold winter months, it is unlikely that you will be gardening or filling up the kids’ swimming pool. Thus, the best course of action is to shut off the water leading to the outdoor faucets, drain them, and put away the garden hoses.

Keeping the hose attached, with some standing water in it, just begs for it to freeze, expand, and burst. While a burst hose is irritating, any damage to the pipes will be expensive to repair.

Turn off the water from the inside valve and drain the system. Keep the bleeder caps open, and you will be safe for the winter.

Vacation Plumbing Rules

Increasingly, more people are leaving the cold climate in search of warmer places to spend their holidays. This sounds like a dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare if, upon return, they find the house flooded and destroyed. 

If you are planning a trip in the winter, even just for a weekend, you need to prepare your plumbing for a sudden drop in temperature, which can happen at any time. Consider the following steps: 

• Turn off the water. Make sure to turn all the valves in the house off; this will stop any water from entering while you are away.
• Run the taps. After turning off the valves, turn on the taps to allow the water that’s already in the pipes to drain out. 
• Flush the toilets. The same rule applies here. Once the valves have been shut off, flush the toilets to drain the system.
• Raise the thermostat. Keep the home a few degrees warmer. This will help to prevent any remaining water from freezing in the pipes.

Service Your Water Heater

Regular service and maintenance of your water heater will save you thousands in the long run.

Your water heater will work harder in the colder months, as colder-than-normal water will replace the heated water when you run the hot tap. Sediment build-up throughout the year can freeze and even clog up the pipes and drains.

Service the water heater by draining and then flushing it. This will ensure that it is in full working order before the cold weather sets in.

Contact Professionals Plumbers in Toronto

At Drain King Plumbers, we have been servicing Toronto and the GTA for many years, and have successfully combated all types of winter-related plumbing issues. We provide 24/7 plumbing services, regular maintenance, and emergency services. 

To contact our expert plumbers in Toronto, you can call us at 833-983-5663 or visit us online. Book your winter plumbing assistance today!