Winterize Your Plumbing

The cold winter months can wreak havoc on the plumbing system in your home if you are not prepared for the drop in temperatures.  Frozen water in pipes can be a nuisance at best and a disaster at its worst.  It is important to make a checklist to winterize your plumbing.  New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has made a checklist for you to use in you own home:

1. Fix Leaks: Even the smallest of leaks can cause big problems once the temperatures drop low enough.  As water freezes it expands which will make your small problem into a large one.
2. Insulate Pipes: Make sure that exposed pipes are well insulated.  Exposed pipes, if you have any, are usually located in your attic, crawl space, and garage.  Pipe wrap insulation is cheap and easy to install and can also save you on heating costs while protecting the pipe.
3. Pump House: Proper insulation of the pump house where your water comes from can keep pipes from freezing.
4. Outside Hose Bibs: Protecting the hose bibs and pipes from the cold is very important to your plumbing.  Remove any garden hoses that are connected to outdoor faucets.  Drain water from hoses before storing them. 
5. Sprinklers: Turn off the water to your sprinkler system and drain it before it can freeze.
6. Locate Water Main: Be sure to know exactly where your water main is in case of an emergency.  If a pipe bursts be sure to shut off the water main quickly to minimize damage.

For more instructions on this list please visit http://goo.gl/0LIn6y.
New York Plumbing will help you inspect your home to make sure it is completely ready for the winter months. Call us at 516-874-7937 and in the event of an Emergency please call 877-713-8136.