If you will be leaving your homevacant this winter, it is essential to protect the plumbing from freezing. Frozen pipes can cause major damage that will result in costly repairs. 

The most common signs of frozen pipes include a lack of water when a faucet is turned on, puddles or dampness in the floor, walls, and ceilings. Follow these tips to safeguard your plumbing during the winter: 

1. Insulate 

Pipes exposed to frigid temperatures are at high risk for freezing, which can cause them to crack or burst. Insulating pipes is one of the best ways to protect your home from frozen pipes and costly plumbing repairs. 

Pipe insulation is particularly important in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, garages and attics. Also, pipes running along exterior walls need to be properly insulated. Foam insulation sleeves are an easy and inexpensive solution for covering pipes in these areas. 

Another way to prevent cold air from reaching pipes is by sealing gaps throughout your home. This includes caulking around windows, doors and mail chutes, as well as insulating and closing outside access points to basements and attics. In addition, it's a good idea to leave cabinet doors open under sinks so warm air can circulate throughout the area. 

2. Turn Off the Water 

If your home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, it is vital to turn off the water supply. This will help prevent freezing pipes and potential damage to your home. 

It is also important to drain any pipes that lead outdoors, and it is recommended to insulate those areas and use heat tape where necessary. Additionally, you should disconnect and store garden hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots. 

It is a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check on your house on a regular basis. This will help keep the property in a safe condition and discourage burglars from targeting vacant homes. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your home before winterization, as they can help determine any areas that are at risk of frozen water and recommend any needed repairs. This will protect your home and save you money. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have a lot of experienced plumbers to help. 

3. Drain and Seal 

The most critical part of winterizing plumbing is draining the pipes. This prevents standing water from freezing and expanding, thereby protecting the pipes against breaking or leaking. Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage

and can be extremely difficult to fix. 

This process is particularly important for seasonal vacation homes and cabins, as well as primary residences that are left unattended for long periods of time during the winter. These steps include turning off the water supply, draining water heaters, insulating piping found within outside walls or crawl spaces, draining outdoor faucets, and using RV/marine antifreeze for toilets and drains. 

It is also recommended that owners of vacant homes use plastic wrap or wadded-up cloths to seal toilet bowls and block drains. This helps to keep sewer gases from entering the home and can be especially helpful for homeowners who are leaving their home for long periods of time. It is important to note that a professional plumber should be consulted for assistance with this process if it seems daunting or complex. 

4. Turn Off the Heat 

Those who live in vacation homes or cabins for long periods of time should winterize their houses to protect pipes against freezing temperatures. By properly winterizing a house, owners can avoid "preventable" home damage caused by Murphy's Law (which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible time). This includes shutting off the water supply, insulating pipes found inside of exterior walls or in crawl spaces, closing access doors to attics and basements, sealing leaks with caulk, resetting thermostats to a low setting, and using RV/marine antifreeze in toilets. 

While many of these steps are simple, they can prevent costly plumbing repairs in the future. If you need help protecting your residential or multifamily home plumbing from sub-freezing temperatures, contact a local plumber. These professionals will perform an inspection and take the necessary precautions to ensure that your plumbing stays safe during cold weather.