Calgary's winters are infamous for their long, harsh conditions. With temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfalls, the cold can pose a significant risk to your plumbing if proper precautions are not taken. As winter approaches, ensuring you winterize your water pipes and  plumbing system is prepared can save you from costly repairs, disruptions, and potential damage to your home. Preparing for the season involves more than just turning up the thermostat—taking a few proactive steps now can help you avoid common plumbing issues associated with freezing temperatures.

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks

One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter is by ensuring that your home is properly sealed. Cold air can enter through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and walls, causing drafts and increased heating costs.

• Check for gaps: Inspect windows, doors, and walls for any visible cracks or gaps that might let cold air inside. Pay particular attention to areas around window frames, door frames, and where walls meet floors or ceilings.
  
  
• Use weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal around windows and doors. This will prevent drafts and help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
  
  
• Install door sweeps: Attach door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors to prevent cold air from entering through the gap beneath the door.

2. Inspect and Maintain Your Heating System

Your heating system will be working overtime during the winter months, so it’s crucial to ensure it is in good condition before the cold weather sets in.

• Service your furnace: Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your furnace. This includes cleaning filters, checking for any wear and tear, and making sure it’s running efficiently. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating system and help prevent costly repairs during the winter.
  
  
• Change the air filter: A clean air filter allows your furnace to run more efficiently and ensures that the air circulating in your home is clean and free from allergens. Change your furnace filter at the beginning of the winter season and every few months thereafter.
  
  
• Consider a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature to automatically adjust based on your schedule. This helps reduce energy consumption while ensuring your home remains warm when you need it most.

3. Insulate Your Home

Without adequate insulation, your home will lose heat more quickly, forcing your heating system to work harder.

• Attic insulation: Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat loss. If your attic is under-insulated, consider adding more insulation to help keep the heat inside your home.
  
  
• Crawl space and basement insulation: Insulating your crawl space and basement will also help prevent heat from escaping and prevent drafts from entering. Insulation materials such as foam board or fiberglass can be installed along the walls.
  
  
• Insulate pipes: Frozen pipes are a serious concern during Calgary’s winter months. Insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics to protect them from freezing and bursting.

4. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause significant damage to your roof and gutters, leading to costly repairs if not addressed properly.

• Inspect your roof: Before the snow starts to fall, inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or other areas of concern. Fixing these issues now can prevent leaks and water damage later.
  
  
• Clear your gutters: Clean your gutters of any leaves, debris, or ice buildup to ensure proper water flow. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, which may lead to roof leaks, ice dams, or water infiltration into your home’s foundation.
  
  
• Consider installing gutter guards: Gutter guards can help prevent debris from accumulating and clogging your gutters, making it easier to keep them clear throughout the winter.

5. Protect Outdoor Water Fixtures

Outdoor water fixtures such as garden hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems can be damaged by freezing temperatures if not properly prepared.

• Disconnect hoses: Unhook all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them to prevent water from freezing inside. Store hoses in a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.
  
  
• Shut off exterior water lines: Turn off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain the pipes. In some homes, this involves shutting off the water at the valve inside the house to prevent outdoor lines from freezing.
  
  
• Install faucet covers: Use insulated faucet covers to protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures. This simple step can prevent pipes from bursting and causing water damages.

6. Prepare Your Windows

Windows are a major source of heat loss during the winter, especially if they are single-pane or poorly sealed. Here are some tips to keep your home warm:

• Install storm windows: If your windows are old or drafty, consider installing storm windows. These add an extra layer of insulation and reduce heat loss.
  
  
• Use thermal curtains: Thermal curtains can help insulate your windows by trapping heat inside. Close them at night to keep the warmth in and open them during the day to let the sun naturally heat your home.
  
  
• Apply window film: For an additional layer of insulation, apply window film to the inside of your windows. This can help keep cold air out and improve energy efficiency.

Winterizing your home in Calgary is essential to staying warm, comfortable, and safe throughout the season. By taking the time to seal gaps, maintain your heating system, insulate your plumbing, and protect your home’s exterior, you can reduce the risk of frozen pipes, water damage, and high heating bills. Remember, the sooner you take action, the less likely you are to face plumbing problems when the temperature plunges.

If you need professional assistance in preparing your plumbing for winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted expert. ERM Plumbing & Heating offers comprehensive plumbing and heating services to ensure your home is fully winterized. From pipe insulation to furnace maintenance, our team is ready to help you safeguard your home against Calgary’s harsh winter weather. Contact us at 403-978-7385 to schedule an inspection and prepare your home for a warm, worry-free winter season.

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