It is a known fact that Minnesota deals with prolonged, bitterly cold temperatures during the winter months. In fact, records show that January alone averages 12oF! With temperatures this low, how can you ensure that your water supply lines inside and out don’t freeze? The plumbing professionals at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic know plumbing systems and know Minnesota winters, so we offer some tips for protecting one of the larger investments in your home or business – you’re plumbing.

Winterize Outdoor Spigots/faucets
Any garden hose connection point on the exterior of your home or business runs the risk of freezing. And even though the fixture is located on the exterior wall, it can freeze within your walls or under your foundation causing a mess and potentially costly repair. Before the temperatures reach freezing, disconnect, and drain all garden hoses, and shut off the water supply valve to the spigot/faucet fixture. If you lack a shut off valve, contact the pros at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic.

Inspect For Any Exposed Piping: Even though there may not be a hose connection point, water supply lines can still be located on the exterior of your home or business. It is a good idea to walk the perimeter and make note of any water lines located on the exterior. These pipes should be covered or insulated for the winter. Your local home improvement store will have pipe insulation that you can wrap around your pipes to ensure they do not freeze due to exposure. You could also wrap them with newspaper or thermal tape. Consider all unheated areas of your home or business (crawl spaces or partial basements).

Inspect The Furnace And Water Heater: Of course, the furnace isn’t a direct component of your plumbing system, but if the water heater fails during the winter months, your plumbing pipes are at risk of freezing. Your water heater is also an integral part of ensuring that water flowing through pipes is warmed. Water heaters should be flushed prior to the harsh winter temperatures sink in.

Preparing For Travel: It’s not instinctual to consider plumbing when deciding what to pack for a long trip. That’s understandable! However, if you are planning to be gone for an extended time, it would be advantageous to shut off the water completely and drain the pipes from the fixtures inside. If that is not possible, consider leaving some water running minimally and ensure that your thermostat is keeping your home or business warm enough to prevent freezing.

Plumbing Repair And Inspection Services In Minneapolis

To schedule any repair services or inspection to ensure that you are properly set up for the harsh winter months, call the plumbing professionals at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic at (763) 434-6814.