Our Top Winter Plumbing Tips: Detroit, MI Homeowner’s Guide

With the cold months upon us, it's not unusual for there to be a sudden freeze. Cold weather means that pipes in unheated areas are at risk of freezing if not properly insulated. As a homeowner, you must take the time to ensure that your plumbing system is properly insulated and ready for the cold weather. That's why we've put together a list of our top winter plumbing tips! Detroit homeowners can benefit from the experience and expertise of an experienced Detroit plumber, letting them prep their plumbing system for the cold months ahead.

Whether you're planning to go away for a holiday this season or staying in the Metro Detroit area, you want to avoid frozen pipes during the winter months. With Mr. Rooter Plumbing's top winter tips, Detroit homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they're avoiding the most common plumbing emergencies that can happen due to winter weather.

Top Winter Plumbing Tips: Detroit Edition

Protecting your faucets and hoses from bursting or leaking is crucial, especially in your kitchen and bathroom. But your attic and crawl spaces are at risk, too, especially since pipes in those areas might lack crucial insulation—putting your home's water supply at risk. That's why our local plumber team has put together this list of the top winter plumbing tips. Detroit plumbers recommend the following to avoid frozen pipes this winter season:

1. Insulate Your Pipes

If you have exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home—such as your basement, attic, garage, or crawl space—you are at the highest risk of freezing due to colder temperatures. One of our plumber's recommended winter plumbing tips for Detroit is to ensure your pipes are properly insulated.

To insulate pipes, you can use heat tape or foam insulation sleeves. Wrap these around your pipes to create a protective barrier to keep your plumbing and pipes from freezing.

2. Allow Your Faucets to Drip

One thing that might sound a little counter-intuitive is to allow your faucets to drip. That's because it can help keep water moving through your plumbing, which can keep your pipes from freezing. It's a great plumbing winterization tip that can save you from expensive plumbing problems due to freezing temperatures.

You must let there be a trickle of water running from particularly vulnerable pipes as it not only can help keep pipes from freezing but also alleviates pressure which helps prevent plumbing issues caused by burst pipes. This is why it ranks so high on our list of winter plumbing tips. Detroit water pipes are at risk, so maintaining a flow of water and normal water pressure helps alleviate the risk of frozen pipes.

3. Seal Any Cracks or Holes

If you have pipes along exterior walls, check to make sure that any gaps or holes surrounding them are properly sealed. You can do this by using either caulk or insulation, sealing gaps where your pipes enter your home. It's especially critical to do this in areas that aren't heated.

4. Maintain a Warm Indoor Temperature

Whether you're away or you're staying in, it's important that you maintain a consistent temperature within your home to prevent your pipes from freezing. It's recommended that you set your pipes to around a minimum of 60°F, even if you plan on taking a holiday or are going to be away for a period of time.

You could turn off the water, but that doesn't eliminate the potential need for plumbing repairs as water remains within your pipes. That standing water can then freeze and expand, resulting in water damage throughout your home. Protect your pipes this season by following our tips to prevent freezing pipes and pipe bursts.

5. Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors

Opening the cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom where there's plumbing allows for warm air to naturally circulate the pipes, keeping them from freezing. Your home's plumbing is vulnerable, which is why following these winter plumbing tips in Detroit can protect your home from damage.

6. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater

Your water heater plays a crucial role, providing you with running water that's hot and ready to use. However, sediment buildup can affect your heater's efficiency and performance. Before winter hits, you should consider draining and flushing your water heater to clear it out. It's also a good time to consider professional water heater services if you're worried about your water heater's performance. As one of our top winter plumbing tips, Detroit homeowners can expect efficient service from the reliable plumbing team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

7. Winterize Your Exterior Plumbing Fixtures

Exterior faucets and hoses are particularly vulnerable to freezing during the winter. If there are water supply lines outside—such as those used for an irrigation system—it's crucial that you properly winterize them. Turn off the water supply to your outdoor fixtures, draining them properly before the cold temperatures hit. You should also ensure that all garden hoses are properly stored inside.

8. Consider Hiring a Professional Plumber

As the last of our winter plumbing tips, Detroit plumbers encourage homeowners to reach out if they're at all unsure about how to properly winterize their home and its plumbing system. If you need assistance or are experiencing plumbing issues like a leaky valve or rusty water, Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help winterize plumbing systems for you with services tailored to your individual needs.

Need Winter Plumbing Tips? Detroit Residents—Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

With this winter plumbing tips, Detroit homeowners can feel better prepared for the coming winter months. By effectively protecting your plumbing from sudden freezes, you can avoid the damage caused by a burst pipe and the accompanying water damage. With our tips for homeowners, winterizing plumbing and avoiding extensive water damage just got a whole lot easier.

If you need a little expert help with preparing your pipes, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Detroit is there for you with expert advice, services, and winter plumbing tips. Detroit and neighbors in Livonia, Chesterfield, and Macomb can call or contact us online today!