There are so many things you can do to make sure that your beautiful home withstands our mountain winters. One of the most important, that can prevent the post potential damage is your pipes. Winterizing plumbing pipes is a process that prepares household plumbing for freezing temperatures that can cause leaks and breaks in the home. When water freezes, it expands as it becomes ice. This expansion produces pressure within pipes, which causes damage.
Winterizing plumbing is recommended when a house will be vacant for a long period of time and no water will be running through the pipes. So many of the homes in Payson and surrounding areas are 2nd homes, so this is very important with cold temperatures right around the corner. The winterizing process involves emptying the water heater, draining all water from the pipes, and filling all fixtures with an antifreeze solution.
If you have enough time to check the conditions of the home’s plumbing, identify the pipes most vulnerable to freezing. Look for pipes located outside walls and windows, uninsulated pipes, and pipes installed near unheated spaces. It is also important to check for any cracks or openings in walls, floors, and ceilings. If you find holes during your inspection, caulk them to keep cold air from entering those gaps.