Plumber shares tips to prepare for colder weather

OHIO — As temperatures start to dip, it’s not just cars or wardrobes that need some cold weather prep; plumbing does too.

Frozen or burst pipes can lead to costly damage, but there are simple steps you can take now to avoid a headache later.

Simple things like insulating pipes, disconnecting outdoor hoses and keeping a slow drip on cold nights can make a big difference.

Monica Stewart is a plumbing instructor at the Ohio Construction Academy. She said the biggest thing is getting ahead of the cold weather and making sure you’re prepared.

“The main thing that people don’t do is disconnect their water hose from the water spigot. It’ll be okay during the winter, but when spring comes and you get ready to turn on your water, you’ll have a busted water line,” said Monica Stewart, plumbing instructor at Ohio Construction Academy.

Stewart also said if you have water on the outside walls of your home, to open the cabinets to allow heat to get inside so the pipes don’t freeze. She said, slowly running the water prevents the pipes from freezing too, and wrapping or insulating your water heaters.