Here in Minnesota, it definitely feels like winter already, as we’ve had some very cold days and several snowfalls. It’s fun at this time of year as Christmas gets closer and lights go up on the houses, but the harsh air and temperature drops mean bundling up and staying inside most of the time. It also means that it’s time to protect your home for the winter months. Burst pipes are a common cause of property damage and can be quite costly, especially in colder climates like Minnesota, but there are ways to protect your home’s plumbing! Here are some tips:
Simple Steps to Protecting Your Pipes
Keep your thermostat temperature the same day and night
It may save a few bucks to lower the temperature at night or even while you’re at work during the day (hey, I like pinching pennies wherever I can), but don’t lower it too much or the areas most vulnerable in your home, like your basement, may get too cold and your pipes may freeze. If you go out of town, don’t set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees.
Insulate
Insulation helps maintain higher temperatures in your home. Add insulation to your attic, garage, and any other areas that heat doesn’t get to easily, like crawlspaces. (Basements are usually heated well enough in a home.) And seal cracks and openings around your house to keep heat in. A few years ago, we had our house fully insulated. Even the water heater was insulated. Doing all of this also helps lower your energy bills!
Keep garage doors closed
Particularly if you have an attached garage and plumbing goes through it to your house, keeping your garage doors closed will help keep out cold air and maintain the temperature in your home.
Keep your plumbing in use
This should go without saying, but keeping warm water going through your pipes every day is good for them. And if you have exposed pipes leading to a faucet, let the cold water drip from the faucet so it doesn’t stay in the pipes.
Open your cabinets
Open your cabinets under your sinks to give your pipes access to warmer air. (Just be careful not to expose younger kids to any chemicals or medicines,)
Use a water softener
A water softener removes minerals from water such as calcium and magnesium and replaces them with a softer mineral like sodium. The buildup from the minerals in hard water can build up in your pipes over time and make them more susceptible to damage.
Don’t forget basic, routine maintenance
Check for small leaks regularly, and have your water-using appliances serviced and running in good condition, such as your water heater and dishwasher.
Don’t strain your plumbing – for example, wait 10 minutes between showers to help maintain proper water pressure and hot water throughout the day.
And of course, prevent clogs! Don’t put anything in your garbage disposal, sinks or toilet that can’t pass through easily. And use preventive products like Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover and Hair Clog Remover to help dissolve clogs and keep things running smoothly throughout your home!
Roto-Rooter products have worked well for our family, and recently I used them to help declog our toilet after an overflow! I don’t know what caused it, but our bathroom floor was covered in water and I learned it can happen anytime to anyone! I used a plunger and then used some Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover to make sure the clog was gone.
I also use Roto-Rooter products in our sinks and bathtub periodically to help keep the water flowing well, which has worked great.
Coupon
Plus, here’s a printable coupon for $1.00 off any Roto-Rooter product!
More Posts
Read my other posts about Roto-Rooter with more tips on saving money at home:
DIY at Home and Save Money with Roto-Rooter
Clogs 101: Simple & Affordable Ways to Prevent & Treat Them
Home Maintenance Made Easy with Roto-Rooter Products (Review & Coupon)
(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Roto-Rooter. All opinions are 100% mine.)