Prepare Your Basement For Winter

By Author: Leo Nov
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As the leaves on the trees turn red and gold and the temperatures at night begin to dip towards freezing, it is time to turn your attention towards winterizing your basement. This involves making sure the heat stays in and the cold stays out, particularly when it comes to your pipes and drains. Frozen pipes can cause problems in your plumbing and heating system that can be expensive and often dangerous.

Insulating Walls and Sealing Windows and Doors

Start your winterizing process with the outer edge of your basement. Insulation should be in place if you live in an area where temperatures go below zero during the winter. You should also seal all windows and make sure that window frames are tight and don't let in drafts. Also, check doorways and make sure the threshold is not open to the elements. Rubber stripping is good for this and a layer of insulation should be placed on the inside of any door that leads outside.

Exposed Water Pipes and Air Ducts

Exposed water pipes are susceptible to freezing and should be wrapped with foam rubber sleeves. These are available at most hardware stores and are generally ...
... precut to make for easier installation. Make sure you go as close to the exterior wall as possible when you perform this task. The pipes should be thoroughly covered to avoid breakage from freezing.

Exposed air ducts should also be wrapped, preferably with sheets of insulation that can be taped in place. This makes the metal of the ducts a better conductor for heat and can save you on your heating bill in addition to making your home warmer.

Winterizing Your Water Heater

Wrapping your water heater, particularly if your basement is poorly insulated or if you have an older heater without a heat trap, is another good preventative measure in the winter. You can use many types of insulation to do this including wool. Remember not to extend the cover all the way to the bottom if you have a gas heater and make sure you insulate the pipes at the top. These pipes are often made of copper, which freezes easily.

Draining Unnecessary Water Pipes

There are a number of water pipes in your home that will not be in use during the winter. One of these is the pipe that goes to the spigot for your outside hose. Shutting that off should be a regular part of your winterizing routine. Remove the hose from its coupling and store it in your basement or garage. Then find the shut-off value in your basement and turn the water off. Open the spigot on the outside and drain all the water out, then return to the inside and open the bleeder cap to complete the job by letting any excess air out. Close it when you are done and the job is complete.

This procedure can be followed for any area of the home that will not be in use during the winter. If you have a secondary bathroom that is not well insulated, turn the water off and use the main bathroom. Addressing any vulnerable areas of the home will help prevent problems that can be costly and irritating to the homeowner.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about water damage and flooded basement, visit RestorationSOS.com