Winterize Your Home Before the Chill Sets In
Now that winter is approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to properly winterize your home. No homeowner really pays much mind to things like crawl spaces, garden hoses, outdoor spigots, and other plumbing items – that is, until they freeze due to extreme temperatures. Before the chill really sets in and presents plumbing problems, consider how to eliminate and minimize winter-related challenges.
You may wonder, how does a crawl space or disconnected hose cause my pipes to freeze? Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical is here to explain the importance winterization for your pipes. We’re here to help you accurately winterize your home and prepare for these cold months. Have more questions or want to schedule winterization? Call us at (304) 757-8063 to speak with our team.
Why is Winterizing a Crawl Space Important?
Crawl spaces, while they can be convenient, can cause a lot of issues if not properly sealed and treated for the winter. If your crawl space has grates or exposure to the outside, it can allow cold air to infiltrate the space. This means that if your crawl space is under a living area, you might experience cold floors and possibly making your home colder. This can of course increase heating use, making your energy bills higher.
The same cold air that’s flowing through the crawl space, if cold enough, can cause any pipes in the crawl space to freeze. Pipes can freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, but there is always the chance of water freezing before it gets to that point. Frozen pipes can burst, causing even more costly plumbing issues for your home.
Finally, moisture in the crawl space can lead to mold growth or possibly water damage. If snow or rain can enter the space, the moisture can linger and thrive off of the dark, damp areas in the crawl space. Keep this in mind if you must use the crawl space, or just be aware of the possibility of the mold expanding into your plumbing or HVAC system. Properly winterizing a crawl space can help to decrease the chances of these issues occurring, protecting your home and family from potential health issues and expensive repairs.
How to Properly Winterize a Crawl Space
When looking at how to winterize your crawl space, Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical can help.
Simply closing the vent or sealing off the entrance for the crawl space isn’t always the best way to leave your crawl space for the winter. If there are vents in the crawl space, keep in mind that it will be holding in heat. Because of the cold air outside, this can create very humid air in the space and is another way to create mold and other moisture issues.
A few tips for winterizing a crawl space: insulation and foam boards. These two can work together and separately to keep heat in while protecting pipes and limiting the amount of humidity. It can also create a buffer in between joists and your flooring, keeping your home comfortable as well. While this can be a quick project to do yourself, it’s always a good idea to leave winterization to the professionals. Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical has the experience, materials, and tools, to get the job done properly.
Don’t Forget Your Hoses – Make Sure Spigots are Ready for Winter, Too
Another way that pipes can freeze in the winter is improper hose and spigot connections during freezing temperatures. Outdoor spigots are easy to winterize and care for during the winter months.
First, be sure to disconnect hoses and properly store them in the winter. While hoses are a relatively affordable buy in the spring, it’s better to keep them well-stored to increase their longevity. Disconnecting the hose allows you to cover the spigot and protect it from the elements.
Check for leaks and repair them before you cover the spigot for the winter. These leaks can cause water to freeze, along with water buildup in the pipe to freeze. Empty the water and make sure there are no leaks, cracks, or other issues with the base or the spigot itself. If there are, replacing the spigot is a good idea.
Finally, cover up the spigot. You can find specific covers online or at your local hardware store. If you struggle to install the cover, talk with the team at Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical. We can help to inspect your spigot and hose hookups and properly cover them to avoid issues this winter.
Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical Can Winterize Your Home
It’s getting colder – is your home ready? Count on Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical in Scott Depot, WV, for prompt winterization of your home, including crawl spaces and outdoor spigots. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and get your home ready for winter.
If you have ever had to deal with frozen or leaking pipes or a plumbing-related water problem during the winter months, the experience can be frustrating and expensive. As winter progresses, we’ll explore the issues of freezing pipes and how to avoid and repair plumbing and mechanical problems during this season. Homeowners throughout our service area can rely on us for winterization experience and prompt service. Check back monthly to learn how to properly care for your plumbing year-round!
For more information on winterization for crawl spaces, spigots, and other household items, give Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical a call at (304) 757-8063. Follow us on Facebook for updates!
