Whether you’re a year-round resident or a vacation homeowner, winterizing your plumbing system is crucial in the Outer Banks.
When temps dip below freezing, unprotected homes face the risk of burst pipes and costly repairs. Our winterization service is not only a good idea, but a critical component of caring for your home.
Unique Plumbing Risks Outer Banks Homes Face in the Winter
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.
Over the last several years we’ve seen temps dip down below the freezing level. Unlike our friends in the north, homes here in North Carolina that are vacant in the winter are not designed to withstand long periods of extreme cold. This puts stress on your plumbing system and can lead to broken pipes, damaged walls and a costly mess.
Outer Banks Winter Plumbing Challenges
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. 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 challenges to your home’s plumbing system.
Outdoor plumbing fixtures are common here, but when left unprotected, they can freeze and cause expensive damage. The potential for frozen pipes and water damage becomes more pronounced in coastal areas like ours, making winterization an essential step in protecting your property.
Action Plumbing’s Comprehensive Winterization Process for Vacation Rental Homes
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.
Here are the 6 primary steps we take as a part of our comprehensive winterization process.
#1: Shut Off Water Supply
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.
#2: Draining Water 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.
#3: Prepare the Water Heater and Appliances
Once we have the water to the house shut off, we will turn off the water heater and drain the tank. To prevent damage to water-storing appliances, all such devices in your home will be turned off and drained of all water.
Preparing your water heater and appliances for winter is essential to avoid potential issues with appliances when you resume regular use.
#4: Anti-Freeze Application to Toilets and Drains
To provide an extra layer of protection, a special pink antifreeze solution is applied to winterize toilets, sinks, and other drains. The non-toxic anti-freeze ensures that no plumbing lines are at risk of freezing during the winter months.
#5: Addressing Outdoor Fixtures and 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. 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.
If there is a separate shut off for external faucets, we will turn that water off and turn on those outdoor faucets to allow the water to drain. This will release the pressure in the pipes to prevent potential problems.
#6: Optional Main Circuit Breaker Shut Off
If requested, the technicians will turn off the main circuit breaker, offering additional energy savings during the vacant period. You may also request that the breaker stays on to keep heating your home.
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 Winterize Your Outer Banks Home
Some folks believe that it is too warm to freeze on the Outer Banks, this is a misconception. It can and does freeze in these areas between October and sometimes even April, which is why we highly recommend winterizing your home before the winter months arrive.
Freezing temps are common, and unprepared homes are at serious risk. By choosing Action Plumbing for winterization, you protect your property and avoid costly surprises.
But, 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 Before It’s Freezing Cold!
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.
How we take the worry out of your home’s plumbing system in the winter:
- Shut off water supply (where applicable: water meter, cut off box).
- Shut down energy to water (or heaters).
- Connect air compressor to blow out all water and drain the water heater.
- Continue purging water from rest of system through sinks, toilets, tub/showers, outdoor showers, spigots and appliances.
- Follow up with a heavy dose of non-toxic wintering fluid in all toilets, sinks, tubs and showers. We also treat washing machines and dishwashers as they can hold water.
- Cut heat off or set to 55 degrees (we recommend some conditioning).
Schedule your Outer Banks home or vacation property’s winterization service today to protect your plumbing system and ensure a worry-free winter. Remember, a little protection goes a long way, especially in the unique climate of the Outer Banks.
Contact Action Plumbing today for pricing and to schedule your winterization appointment. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 252-441-9992.
NOTE: Winterizations are not guaranteed. Some damage may be unavoidable given certain circumstances (e.g.; extreme weather, faulty cut off valves/meters).
