Winterizing Plumbing Services

Winterize Home Plumbing, Water Lines, and More

Few things are more devastating or destructive than a busted water pipe in your home. With colder
temperatures becoming more common in the last few years, homeowners throughout Houston, TX, and
the surrounding areas have started taking steps to winterize their homes and prepare their plumbing
systems for winter. Winterizing your water lines, pipes, and your home’s entire plumbing system is an
important step in preparing for colder temperatures.

At Redfin Plumbing, we’ve provided a wide range of plumbing services to individuals and business
owners since 2000, and we have decades of combined experience on our team. We’re a one–stop shop
for plumbing, piping, and sewer line service, repair, and replacement.

In addition to winterization services, we can help you with leaky faucets, damaged sewer lines, broken water heaters, and more! We have yet to find a plumbing problem that we haven’t been able to fix. When you hire the Redfin Plumbing team, you won’t be disappointed. Call us today!

Comprehensive Plumbing Winterization Services

Our winterization services minimize the risk of frozen or busted water pipes by taking the following
steps.

• Wrapping all exposed or at–risk pipes with insulation
• Installing a heat source at critical water junctures to prevent freezing
• Applying heat tape, when appropriate, to keep pipes above freezing temperatures

Seasonal home winterization steps include:

• Draining your water heater, pipes, and toilet
  Removing water from the sink and tub traps
• Adding antifreeze, if necessary and safe, where water cannot be completely removed

Steps to Winterize Your Home’s Plumbing

If you own a home that’s going to be vacant this upcoming winter season, it’s time to think about what steps you’ll be taking to winterize your plumbing system. Neglecting this step could cost you thousands in emergency plumbing repairs, so it’s crucial to properly prepare your home for colder temperatures.  

One of the simplest ways to “winterize” your home is to simply leave the heat on in the home at a low temperature all winter. Unfortunately, this causes a large heating bill and is much less expensive than a damaged plumbing system. And for some homes, just leaving the heat on isn’t enough. Winterizing is the best solution to ensure your home is safe and protected for winter. Follow these steps to winterize your home:  

• Turn off the water supply (there should be a supply shut-off valve outside that you can turn off). If you have a well, you also need to turn off the breaker to the well pump. 
• Turn off and completely drain your water heater. If the water heater is electric, make sure you also turn off the breaker to the water heater. 

• Drain and blow out the water supply lines. Turn on all the faucets throughout the house and let them run out of water. Leave them turned on for the duration of winter. Finally, use an air compressor to blow out the water lines to ensure that there’s no standing water left in them.  
• Drain any water softeners, water treatment systems, and all the water filters in the house. 
• Flush all the toilets until they run out of water and refill them with antifreeze to prevent any issues. 
• Turn off, disconnect, and drain any appliances that use water. Any appliance that uses water needs to be turned off and drained.  
• Turn off your entire electrical system and make sure all the breakers are turned off.  
• Drain any condensate lines that connect to your home’s HVAC system. 
• Post a sign that’s easily visible that the home has been winterized and none of the plumbing is to be used. This lets any visitors know they can’t use the plumbing in the house. 

The Basics of Winterization Checkup Services  

When winter is approaching, vehicle owners typically begin preparing for the cold, ice, and snow by checking different components of their car. Winterization checkup services for plumbing systems are similar. Our home winterization services include the pipes, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and other appliances that are often neglected throughout your home. Our winterization and de-winterization services include: 

• Fall Winterization: Turn off the main water supply, drain all plumbing (including toilets and water heaters), and run tests to see if non-toxic antifreeze is needed for your home’s heating system. 
• Spring Winterization: Turn the water supply back on, inspect plumbing and drains, and test all the appliances in your home. 

Why Should You Have Winterization Checkup Services

Is your home’s plumbing system ready for winter? When cold weather is approaching, don’t delay in getting your home prepared. Not taking the necessary steps to winterize your home can result in needing expensive emergency plumbing repairs. Our professional team can thoroughly inspect your home to ensure it’s ready for colder temperatures.  

From draining all your plumbing to turning off the appliances in your home, we’ll make sure your home is prepped and ready in no time. At Redfin Plumbing, we understand the large investment you have in your home, so we’re committed to taking every step possible to help you protect it.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Winterizing Pipes

Why is it important to winterize pipes?

In cold climates, water in pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage.

When should I winterize my pipes?

It’s best to winterize pipes in the fall, before temperatures drop below freezing.

How do I winterize indoor pipes?

For indoor pipes, keep the heat on in your home, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate plumbing, and insulate pipes in unheated areas.

What About Outdoor Pipes?

Outdoor pipes and hoses should be drained and disconnected. Faucets should be covered with insulating foam covers.

Can I use antifreeze in my pipes?

Antifreeze is generally not recommended for home plumbing systems. It’s toxic and can be harmful if not properly disposed of.

What if I’m away for the winter?

If you’re away, set your thermostat to a temperature that will prevent freezing, typically no lower than 55°F (13°C), and consider shutting off and draining your water system.

Are there any signs of frozen pipes?

Signs include no water coming out of faucets, frost on pipes, or a strange smell coming from the drain or faucet.

Call Redfin Plumbing Today for Exceptional Winterization Services!   

When you need help preparing your home’s plumbing system for colder temperatures, Redfin Plumbing is the team you can trust to work on your property and properly prepare it for winter. No matter what type of issue you’re experiencing, we’re dedicated to finding reliable, lasting solutions for all your plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive plumbing services!