Winter in Calgary can be harsh, with freezing temperatures posing a significant risk to your plumbing system. Frozen pipes, leaks, and other winter-related issues can lead to costly repairs and disruptions. Preparing your plumbing system for the cold season is essential to avoid these problems. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to winterize your plumbing system effectively, helping you protect your home or business from potential damage.
Insulate Your Pipes
Exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces are most vulnerable to freezing. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Insulating your pipes is a simple but crucial step to prevent this.
What to Do: Use pipe insulation sleeves, heat tape, or foam wraps to protect exposed pipes. Ensure all outdoor and unheated indoor pipes are adequately covered.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems
Outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems are often overlooked when preparing for winter. Water left in these systems can freeze, causing cracks and leaks that may go unnoticed until spring.
What to Do: Disconnect and store garden hoses, then drain and shut off outdoor faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to blow out any remaining water.
