As the winter season approaches, many homeowners in the Outer Banks may underestimate the importance of winterizing their home plumbing pipes. There’s a common misconception that this process is unnecessary and a waste of time. However, the truth is that winterizing is a simple and affordable preventive measure that can save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs and wasted water. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of winterization and how Action Plumbing can make the process easy for Outer Banks residents.
Unique Winter Plumbing Challenges in Outer Banks
Living in the Outer Banks comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the winter months. The coastal environment, combined with colder temperatures, can pose risks to your home’s plumbing system. The potential for frozen pipes and water damage becomes more pronounced, making winterization an essential step in protecting your property.
Addressing Outdoor Fixtures
One of the distinctive features of the Outer Banks is its outdoor lifestyle, including outdoor showers and foot-washing stations. These fixtures, when left unprotected, are susceptible to freezing, leading to costly repairs and potential water damage. Winterizing these outdoor elements is just as crucial as preparing your indoor plumbing for the colder season.
Action Plumbing Winterization Service
To make the winterizing process seamless, consider enlisting the help of a professional like Action Plumbing. Our expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to protect your home’s plumbing system from the unique challenges posed by Outer Banks winters.
Here’s a brief overview of our winterization process:
Turn the Water Off
The first step in the winterization of your home is locating the main water shut-off valve and turning off all running water in your home. This prevents any potential leaks or burst pipes during the colder months.
Drain the Supply Lines
Using an air compressor, the technicians will remove any residual water in the supply lines. Additionally, opening faucets and fixtures aids in the complete removal of water from the plumbing system.
Drain All Appliances
To prevent damage to water-storing appliances, all such devices in your home will be turned off and drained. This step is essential to avoid potential issues with appliances when you resume regular use.
Antifreeze Application
To provide an extra layer of protection, a special pink antifreeze solution is applied to winterize toilets and other drains. This ensures that no plumbing lines are at risk of freezing during the winter months.
Exterior Plumbing
Action Plumbing goes the extra mile by addressing outdoor plumbing. This includes turning off external faucets and draining them to release pressure in the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing.
Main Circuit Breaker (Optional)
If requested, the technicians will turn off the main circuit breaker, offering additional energy savings during the vacant period.
Living in the Outer Banks provides a unique experience, even during the winter. Winterization of your home is not just about protecting it from potential damage; it’s also about ensuring a smooth return to your coastal haven when the weather warms up.
When to De-Winterize Your Home
Speaking of warmer weather, once the risk of freezing temps has passed, be sure to schedule your de-winterization service with us to get your home away from home back up and running for spring.
Schedule Your Winterization Service Soon
Choosing to winterize your home is a proactive and smart decision for Outer Banks homeowners. Action Plumbing’s professional service takes the worry out of the process, safeguarding your home from potential winter-related plumbing issues.
Schedule your Outer Banks vacation property’s winterization service today to protect your plumbing system and ensure a worry-free winter. Contact Action Plumbing for more information or to set up an appointment. Remember, a little protection goes a long way, especially in the unique climate of the Outer Banks.
NOTE: Winterizations are not guaranteed. Some damage may be unavoidable given certain circumstances (i.e., extreme weather, faulty cut off valves/meters).
