Expert Advice from Vito Services to Avoid Frozen Pipes and Water Heater Issues
As fall approaches and colder temperatures are on the horizon in The DMV, it can be easy to forget about the important steps you must take to prepare your home for the oncoming cold weather. The good news is that Vito Services’ plumbers have been preparing local homes for cold weather for over 90 years! So, when your Fall Schedule gets busy, don’t worry, Leave it to Vito for all of your plumbing maintenance!
Today, Vito Services’ Residential Plumbing Carlos Diaz, AKA “Young Plumber”, Offers his TOP-3 recommendations for Vito customers to prepare their home’s plumbing for the upcoming winter season:
Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Preventing frozen pipes and water damage should be a priority as temperatures drop. Diaz always advises his plumbing customers to disconnect and drain all hoses and water supplies from outside, including all outdoor faucets, showers and un-heated pool houses. He also says to pay close attention to these common winterizing hints:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
- Shut off and drain exterior water lines if possible.
- Install a New Frost-Free Hose Bib.
Most importantly, don’t forget to actually take OFF your hose:
“The one thing we see every year,” said Young Plumber, “is homeowners who forget to remove the hose from bib … happens every fall!”
- $99 Winterization: A Vito Services Plumber, such as Carlos, Will Winterize Each Hose Bib.
- $499 Frost-Free Hose Bib: Never Worry About Burst Pipes or Winterizing Your Home Again With a Year-Round Frost Free Hose Bib.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
The worse case scenario for any homeowner is a burst pipe, which can cause major flooding. Diaz says most pipes that burst have water remaining inside, which freezes and busts the pipe on expansion. Young Plumber would encourage customers to inspect their homes for exposed water pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics, and can have Vito insulate any of pipes, including:
- Wrapping pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation to prevent freezing.
- Installing heat tape or pipe sleeves in particularly vulnerable areas.
- Adding insulation to areas where cold air drafts might affect piping, especially around walls or windows.
Diaz reiterates that proper insulation will go a long way to help ensure water continues to flow inside your home while preventing pipe bursts during extreme cold.
Flush and Inspect Water Heaters and Boilers
Ahead of the winter season, Diaz advises all customers to flush their water heaters in order to remove sediment buildup, improve efficiency and extend the life of the units. Carlos says its best to schedule a professional inspection to check for leaks, rust, or other signs of wear.
Certified Vito Plumbers can also:
- Verify that the water heater’s pressure relief valve is functioning correctly.
- Adjust the thermostat settings to ensure optimal efficiency for winter use.
After 90-Plus years, Vito Services knows a thing or two about plumbing. Our trained and certified plumbing specialists, like Dennell Huntley, are available to help prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Dennell’s plumbing-focused recommendations should help homeowners prevent winter-related issues, such as frozen pipes, and ensure their water heating systems are ready to provide reliable service during colder months.
Most importantly, don’t forget to Leave it to Vito for all of your home’s plumbing needs!
