Tips To Prep Your Cabin’s Plumbing for Winter

Winter is just around the corner, bringing with it cozy evenings by your cabin fireplace. However, the cold temperatures also harbor dangers for your cabin’s plumbing. Staying on top of plumbing care is an essential aspect of preserving your cabin for the long term, so check out the following tips to prep your cabin’s plumbing for winter.

Drain and Insulate Your Pipes

First up, show your pipes some love. Leftover water in your pipes can freeze, expanding and potentially damaging your pipes. Avoid bursts and cracks by draining any water from outdoor pipes and hoses. 

Insulation is another ally in your fight against freezing temperatures. Wrap those pipes in foam sleeves or heat tape, especially in crawl spaces and attics. For that extra layer of armor, use pipe insulation tape to lock in the warmth. 

Service Your Water Heater

Your water heater is your winter MVP, so you want to keep it running like a champ. Flush the tank to eliminate sediment buildup that forces your heater to work overtime. This is a great way to improve water heater efficiency. Next, check the pressure relief valve and replace it if it’s faulty. Don’t forget to insulate the heater itself with a water heater jacket. 

Maintain a Warm Interior Temperature

A warm cabin equals a happy plumbing system. Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, ideally above 55°F, even when you’re away. Also, consider opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. This minor tweak promotes heat flow, safeguarding your pipes from sneaky icy attacks.

Let Your Faucets Drip

When the threat of freezing is high, let faucets connected to exposed pipes trickle. This action eases pressure in your system, reducing the risk of a freeze-induced fracture. 

Get Heated Hoses

For those hoses left in service, invest in heated versions. Plug these beauties in, and they’ll keep water flowing regardless of temperature dips. Heated hoses are a slick solution for preventing outdoor spigots from freezing.

A bit of preparation goes a long way. These tips to prep your cabin’s plumbing for winter ensure you can embrace the chill and not worry about plumbing disasters. Winter won’t know what hit it!