Plumbing

Winter in Murfreesboro, TN, can be unpredictable, which is why it is important to prepare your plumbing for the season. The last thing you want to deal with during winter is an uncomfortable home, increased water bills, and expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to winterize the plumbing in your Middle Tennessee home. Furthermore, A/C Plus Heating & Cooling is ready to help ensure your plumbing is ready for those unexpected temperature drops.

Locate the Main Water Shut Off Valve

The first thing you want to do is locate your home’s main water shut-off valve. This way, you can quickly turn off the water should any pipes freeze and burst. You do not want to spend time looking for the valve at the last minute. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to locate and use the main water shut-off valve.

If you need to turn off the main water valve, turn on the faucets so water can drain. This releases pressure from your pipes.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

If you notice consistent water pressure changes, check for visible signs of a leak. This includes noticeable drips, water damage, and water stains on the walls, floors, or ceiling. If you find leaks or cannot determine the cause of the pressure change, it is time to contact a plumber. A plumber can detect and repair the leak to keep it from escalating. Our goal is to ensure you enjoy your winter season without plumbing issues or costly repairs.

Insulate Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing

One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them, especially pipes in unheated spaces and pipes exposed to outdoor temperatures. One option is to wrap exposed pipes with towels or rags and secure them with duct tape. Next, cover them with plastic sheeting or a plastic bag and secure it with tape to block moisture. You can also purchase foam insulation tubes from a hardware store, which makes covering pipes easier and more effective.

Run Warm Water Throughout All Fixtures

Another way to help prevent frozen pipes is to run warm water through the fixtures in your Murfreesboro home during cold spells. This keeps water moving and helps keep pipes warmer. You do not need to run water for hours, but you should turn it on frequently when temperatures dip below freezing.

Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

Part of winterizing your plumbing includes adjusting your water heater temperature. Start by setting the temperature to 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit to help reduce scalding risk. It is important to avoid setting the temperature too high because excessive heat can strain your system and may damage the water heater over time. Maintaining an appropriate temperature can also improve performance and extend equipment lifespan.

Disconnect and Store the Garden Hose

A frozen garden hose can cause a burst interior pipe, so it is important to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets before winter. If your home has a separate shut-off valve for exterior faucets, turn it off as well. Next, disconnect the hose, drain both the hose and faucet, and store the hose for the season. You can also upgrade to frost-free hose bibs and use insulated hose bib covers for added protection.

Turn Off and Drain the Sprinkler System

You should also turn off and drain your sprinkler system to prevent freezing. Start by turning off the main water supply to the irrigation system. Next, set the controller to off or rain mode. Then, open the manual valves to drain any remaining water. If needed, contact a professional to blow out leftover water from underground lines. This helps prevent broken sprinkler pipes that can damage the entire system. You can also insulate valves and backflow preventers with foam for extra protection.

Test Your Home’s Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, test it before temperatures drop. A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or frozen discharge pipes. To test the pump, pour water into the sump pit and confirm that the pump activates and drains the water. If the water does not drain properly, call a plumber. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to serious water damage.

Clean Drains Weekly

Cleaning sink, shower, and bathtub drains weekly can help prevent clogs. Clogs can contribute to frozen pipes because water cannot drain properly. A simple method is to pour a half cup of baking soda followed by vinegar, down the drain. Let it sit for several minutes, then flush it with boiling water to remove buildup. Our team can also clear drains professionally before temperatures drop.

Adjust Your Home Settings When Leaving

If you plan to leave your home for an extended period, set your furnace no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a steady indoor temperature helps prevent issues such as burst pipes, furniture damage, and mold growth. It also helps protect your home without wasting energy. Consider shutting off the main water supply while you are away. You can also drain the system by opening faucets and flushing toilets.

Keep Cold Air Outside

Keeping cold air out of your Murfreesboro home helps protect your plumbing. Even small gaps allow cold air to enter and increase the risk of frozen pipes. Check for air leaks around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, wiring openings, and exterior wall switches and outlets. If you find drafts, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. You should also insulate your basement, attic, garage, and crawl space. Keeping the garage door closed can also help prevent cold air from freezing plumbing in the garage walls.

Consider a Professional Plumbing Inspection

One of the best ways to winterize your home is to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. This helps prevent frozen and burst pipes by catching small issues early. A plumber can identify and fix problems before they become serious, including drain clogs and leaking pipes. You can also ask your plumber for tips to winterize your plumbing system more effectively in the future.

Schedule Plumbing Services With A/C Plus Heating & Cooling Today

Our locally owned and operated company has been serving the Murfreesboro area for more than 27 years. We offer professional plumbing services designed to keep your plumbing system functional through every season. Our services include plumbing repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, and sewer line replacement. We also inspect, repair, and replace water heaters as needed, helping ensure reliable hot water throughout winter. In addition, we offer HVAC services such as heating and air conditioning maintenance.

A/C Plus Heating & Cooling has an A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, along with positive reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Angi.

If you need plumbing services in Murfreesboro, contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling today to learn more.

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