Are Your Pipes Ready For The Cold Weather?

While many Sacramento residents are finally beginning to enjoy some relief from the extended summer heat, it is still essential to prepare for the cold months right around the corner. Low temperatures can put stress on your plumbing systems—leading to broken pipes, water damage, failing water heaters, and so much more. Before temperatures start dropping, the early fall is an ideal time to prepare your plumbing system for cold weather. The Sacramento-area plumbing experts at Bonney are here with insight that can save your home (and your wallet) from pipe damage. 

Pipe Protection 1: Covering Outdoor Faucets

Before the winter weather rolls in, you can help protect your pipes by ensuring that your outdoor faucets are covered. These openings can leave your pipes vulnerable to colder temperatures. First, you simply need to disconnect, drain, and put away any hoses or attachments you may have on your faucet. Next, cover your outdoor faucets. You can find insulated faucet coverings online or at your local hardware store. These coverings usually only cost a few dollars each, and they can help protect your pipes during even harsh winter climates. 

If you have a sprinkler system, pool, fountain, or another water installation, they may also need you to drain the lines and cover the spouts. Consult your installation/owner’s manual for the winter care specifics, or consult your Bonney experts for suggestions.

Pipe Protection 2: Leak Detection and Management

Plumbing leaks become especially common during the colder months. Cold temperatures can cause the water inside of your pipes to freeze and expand. Once the ice thaws, this can create substantial water damage. To protect your pipes, you can work with a professional plumber (like those at Bonney) to ensure that your pipes are properly insulated. This is especially important for vulnerable and exposed water lines that run underground, through your attic, or in other areas of your home with poor temperature regulation.

You may be at a higher risk for pipe bursts if you have an older plumbing system or if your system is already compromised. We recommend you check for leaky plumbing fixtures and have any issues repaired by a Bonney professional before the winter weather rolls in. 

Pipe Protection 3: Drain Inspection and Cleaning

Colder seasons also create an uptick in clogged drains and pipes. This is because any grease or buildup that you may have in your drains can solidify more quickly and move more slowly through your pipes. Drain inspection and cleaning services clear these blockages to restore the functioning of your plumbing system. Trusted drain cleaning professionals—like those at Bonney—offer guarantees that ensure your drain issues do not immediately return. For example, Bonney drain cleaning services come with a 97-day clog-free guarantee. This will help your home stay protected throughout the colder months. 

Pipe Protection 4: Hot Water Heater Flush

Sediment buildup and rust within a water heater are common issues, especially when you are living in an area known for its hard water—like Sacramento. During the colder seasons,  your water heater has to work harder to function properly. Sediment buildup can heighten the stressors of the season, potentially creating issues with your unit and shortening its lifespan. Even without cold weather, sediment buildup can cause delays in your hot water heating. This leads to an overall inefficient and ineffective system with higher energy and water bills. To protect your unit, an annual water heater flush can remove sediments before they harm your system. 

Pipe Protection 5: Plumbing System Maintenance

Your plumbing system relies on a complicated network of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and their various parts. This requires continuous maintenance to prevent, detect, and repair any problems. For your home’s best possible winter protection, you may consider scheduling your annual plumbing maintenance visit. Plumbing maintenance—such as that provided by Bonney Beyond—offers a thorough inspection and the professional care that your system needs. Bonney Beyond features an inspection for both your indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures. These professional plumbing visits also provide maintenance for your drains, sinks, garbage disposals, toilets, and exposed water lines. 

Bonney Plumbing in Sacramento

Are your pipes ready for the cold weather? If you need help in your plumbing prep, service, repairs, or maintenance, the professionals at Bonney are here for you. With our Bonney Beyond annual maintenance program, you can get a great deal on your maintenance visit. Our experts proudly serve the greater Sacramento area, including Vacaville, Natomas, Stockton, Davis, Fairfield, Orangevale, Folsom, Auburn, Loomis, and beyond! Keep your home protected and make your plumbing appointment to get started today!