The Pump Products Guide to Winter-Proofing Your Home

Home winter-proofing checklist
Make sure to winter proof your home

Nothing can ruin a winter getaway quicker than returning home to a burst water pipe. Both PVC and copper pipes can burst under the pressure of freezing water. Even a hairline crack in a pipe can leak hundreds of gallons of water a day once the ice thaws and water begins coursing through the pipes. If you plan to be away from your home for more than 24 hours this winter, winterize it before you go.

Pump Products staff have put together this list of simple precautions you can take to protect your home and yard from cold weather damage.

Set your home thermostat to at least 65 degrees. A lower temperature may not keep pipes in exterior walls from freezing in very cold weather.

Insulate pipes located in attics, basements, crawl spaces and garages with pipe wrap or foam jackets.

Use caulk or insulation to seal off cold air around dryer vents, electrical wiring, and pipes but be sure to preserve proper ventilation around your water heater and furnace.

Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system to protect it against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes.

Circulator pumps move hot water throughout your home. Keeping these pumps operational is essential to maintaining the system. If you haven’t already checked your heat circulating system for leaks or trouble spots, now would be a good time.  If you aren’t sure what to look for and live in an area that’s prone to freezing temperatures, call a professional.

Shut off your sprinkler pump and water supply, drain your lawn sprinkler system and disconnect garden hoses.

Remove your pond pump if it isn’t necessary to keep fish or plants alive. Be sure to completely drain your pump after you pull it from your pond as water freezing inside the housing can crack the casing.

If you plan to be away from your home for more than a day or two, turn off the water and drain the plumbing system.

Check the service line next to the water meter in your house for the main shut-off. Make sure this valve is completely turned off. If it isn’t, the water will continue to flow through the pipes.

Drain all water out of the pipes by opening every faucet until the water stops running. After the water has stopped, turn off the faucets. If water does not stop, go check the main shut-off to make sure it’s shut off all the way.

Instead of draining your pipes, you have the option of leaving your thermostat at 65 degrees. However, if the power fails, so will your heating system, which could result in frozen pipes.

Having someone check your home regularly while you are away is a good preventative measure as it will lessen response time to any damage that may occur.

Browse our extensive inventory of home winterizing equipment and accessories at www.pumpproducts.com or speak to one of our Product Experts at 1-800-429-0800.