With the depths of winter upon us, we now start to see deep colds which can cause deep ground frost. While we often take the time to make sure that our above ground plumbing is secured for the winter, it can be easy to accidentally pass over or forget about checking our underground plumbing. While there isn’t much that a homeowner can do in regard to the plumbing mains that lead to and from their house, other underground systems like sprinklers need to be properly prepped for the cold as well.
Failure to properly protect both above and below ground pipes in the winter can cause huge problems, that are both costly and can cause lasting damage in your home. Always remember – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure.
In our blog, we’ve gone over properly prepping above ground pipes, but haven’t discussed how to protect your below ground pipes from the winter cold.
Inspect Your System for Any Cracks or Leaks
If you have an underground drainage or sprinkler system, you should always have a look while it’s running and see if there is any additional spillage or pooling in places where there shouldn’t be any. This could indicate a leak in the pipe, which should be fixed ASAP. Before you shut down the system for the winter, make sure to run in one last time for a final inspection.
Insulate the Pipes
If there is any area of the system that is above ground, make sure that it is well insulated. This will help to keep any residual water in the lines from freezing.
Drain the Pipes Before the First Frost
Before the end of Fall, you need to make sure that the underground system is fully drained. If its not, the residual water can freeze and crack the pipes. Draining underwater systems is relatively easy – just shut off the water supply, and then turn the system on. You’ll be able to see as the water runs out, and once it is empty simply shut it off.
If you take care of these steps, you can help prevent any damage or leaks to your underground plumbing system. Of course, there are no guarantees, as plumbing emergencies can always pop up. If you are in need of professional plumbing assistance, we are always around to help. Feel free to give us a call anytime to come out for a plumbing inspection or repairs.