How to Prepare Your Plumbing and Heating Systems for Winter in Rio Rancho, NM

One of the most crucial tasks when preparing your plumbing for winter is inspecting your pipes. In Rio Rancho, freezing temperatures can cause exposed pipes to freeze and burst, leading to significant water damage. Here’s how you can avoid this:

• Check for leaks: Before the first freeze hits, inspect all your pipes for any existing leaks. Even a small leak can cause big problems when temperatures drop. Leaks weaken your pipes, making them more susceptible to bursting when water freezes.
• Insulate exposed pipes: Any pipes located in unheated areas, such as garages, crawl spaces, attics, and basements, should be insulated. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can help protect them from freezing. Focus especially on outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and any piping near exterior walls.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Leaving hoses attached to outdoor spigots during freezing weather can trap water in the pipes, causing them to freeze and expand. Disconnect and drain any hoses and shut off the water to outside faucets if possible.

Properly insulating and protecting your pipes now can save you from the stress and expense of a major repair later on.

Your heating system is vital for keeping your home warm during the winter months, and it requires regular maintenance to function efficiently. Here’s why a tune-up should be on your to-do list before the cold weather sets in:

• Improve efficiency: A well-maintained furnace or heat pump will operate more efficiently, using less energy to keep your home comfortable. This means lower energy bills during the cold season.
• Prevent breakdowns: Having your system inspected and serviced by a professional ensures that any potential issues are identified early. If your heating system fails in the middle of winter, repairs can be more expensive and inconvenient, especially during peak demand.
• Replace air filters: Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause your heating system to work harder, leading to inefficiency and increased wear and tear. Regularly replacing your air filters (every 1-3 months) will maintain peak performance.
• Check your thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is calibrated correctly and set to an energy-efficient temperature. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, which can save you money by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule.

AG Plumbing & Heat can provide a thorough heating system tune-up to ensure your system is ready to keep you warm all winter long.

Your water heater works overtime during the winter, so it’s important to make sure it’s in top shape before the cold sets in. In Rio Rancho, the low temperatures can cause water heaters to work less efficiently, or worse, fail altogether. Here are a few tips to get your water heater ready:

• Flush the tank: Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. Flushing your water heater to remove this buildup will allow it to heat water more effectively.
• Insulate your water heater: Just like your pipes, your water heater can benefit from insulation, especially if it’s located in an unheated area. A water heater blanket can help retain heat, making the system more efficient and reducing energy costs.
• Lower the temperature: Setting your water heater to 120°F is usually sufficient for most household needs and can prevent scalding while saving energy. During the winter, this setting ensures your water heater isn’t overworked trying to maintain unnecessarily high temperatures.
• Check for leaks: Inspect the area around your water heater for any signs of leaks or corrosion. If you notice rust or pooling water, contact AG Plumbing & Heat immediately for a professional inspection and repair.
  

If you use a boiler to heat your home, performing regular maintenance is key to ensuring it operates effectively throughout the winter. Boilers can be susceptible to freezing temperatures, so be proactive in preparing them for winter.

• Bleed your radiators: Air can become trapped in your radiators, preventing them from heating your home evenly. Bleed your radiators to release any trapped air and improve the efficiency of your heating system.
• Check the pressure: Low boiler pressure can result in inadequate heating, while high pressure can damage your system. Consult your boiler’s manual to find the optimal pressure range and make adjustments as needed.
• Insulate external condensate pipes: If your boiler has an external condensate pipe, it’s important to insulate it to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes can cause your boiler to shut down, leaving you without heat.
• Schedule a boiler inspection: Having your boiler inspected by a licensed professional will help ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns during the colder months.
  

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners during winter. Not only can they disrupt your water supply, but they can also cause extensive water damage if they burst. Here are some tips to keep your pipes warm and prevent freezing:

• Keep your home heated: Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home, even when you’re away, can help prevent pipes from freezing. Aim to keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you're not home.
• Open cabinet doors: Pipes located in kitchen and bathroom cabinets can benefit from the warmer air circulating throughout your home. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach these pipes.
• Use space heaters wisely: In especially cold areas of your home, such as basements or attics, you may want to use a space heater to keep pipes warm. To ensure safety, always adhere to guidelines and never leave space heaters unattended.

By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and ensure a steady water supply throughout the winter.

Call AG Plumbing & Heat for Expert Winter Preparation Services

At AG Plumbing & Heat, we specialize in helping homeowners in Rio Rancho, NM prepare their plumbing and heating systems for the winter season. From pipe insulation and heating system tune-ups to water heater maintenance and boiler repairs, our experienced team is ready to help you keep your home comfortable and safe all winter long.

Don’t wait until the cold sets in—contact us today at (505) 896-0137 to schedule an appointment or inquire about our winter preparation services. We service general plumbing, repiping, swamp coolers, and gas and furnaces. Let us take the stress out of getting your home ready for winter!