In Dayton, Ohio, the record low temperature in September has dipped as low as 29 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not too early to winterize your property's plumbing pipes for the freezing season. Here are four tips to prepare your plumbing system for the coldest months ahead.

1. Make Two Lists

Make a list of plumbing lines and fixtures that are at risk of freezing. The list helps you plan out winterizing tasks in an organized way.

Include the following in your list:

• Pipes in unheated basements and crawl spaces
  
• Pipes in attics and uninsulated walls
  
• Pipes under cabinets
  
• Washing-machine and other drain lines
  
• Lines to outdoor kitchens
  
• Lines to or inside outbuildings
  
• Well pumps
  

Include on your list all of the outdoor hose bibs, faucets, and yard hydrants on your property. Break down the winterizing task list over a few weekends to make the job easier. Or hire a professional plumber to handle the task list for you.

Create a second list of materials for your project and include:

• Pipe wrap
  
• Heat tape
  
• Thermal control unit for heat tape
  
• Safe heaters for well house or basement
  

Investigate the plumbing-related winterizing options available at your local hardware or home improvement store to cover all of your listed tasks.

2. Inspect and Repair

Leaks, cracks, and other damage to plumbing fixtures cause winter disasters. As you wrap pipes in foam or heat tape, inspect your plumbing lines for leaks at connections, joints, and other fixtures.

A small drip from an attic pipe will soak the ceiling and rafters, leading wood and ceiling materials to freeze or rot. A leak from a faulty outdoor spigot makes water pool at your foundation or even freeze the supply pipe to the spigot.

Not everyone has the tools or expertise to repair plumbing issues, so feel free to find help with the tasks. A professional plumber can inspect areas of your pluming lines that you can't reach.

3. Disconnect and Drain

If you're leaving for your winter home, decide whether you'll leave the water system functional or not. If you don't plan to heat your home in your absence, disconnect and/or drain all of your plumbing lines and fixtures.

If your house will be heated during an absence, and even if you don't have a winter escape, disconnect and drain any fixture that you won't use during the winter.

These fixtures might include:

• Irrigation systems
  
• Hoses
  
• Hot tub and piping
  
• Pond and water-feature supply lines
  

If you must water animals outdoors during the winter, consider having a frost-free hydrant installed. You must use buckets or disconnect and drain your hose after each use of the frost-free hydrant, but its safeguards protect your outdoor pipes from freezing risks.

Frost-free hose bibs or sillcocks protect outdoor faucets next to your home. Heated automatic animal waterers are a solution for stalled animals, but all supply lines must run through heated areas or be insulated. Be aware that rodents can chew insulation, so you may need additional protection for pipes.

4. Install Safeguards Against Flooding and High Water Bills

If a pipe in your home bursts from expanding ice, the pipe can leak a large amount of water in a small amount of time. Your water bills and your home will suffer.

Have your plumber install a temperature monitor and water-flow sensor to your plumbing system. An alarm system and/or smartphone app will alert you when pipes are close to freezing or your household uses an exorbitant amount of water.

Drain lines can freeze and cause problems for sewer and septic lines. Ask your plumber about products and maintenance tips to keep your drain lines ice-free.

If you need a pre-winter inspection and repair of plumbing pipes in the Dayton, Ohio, region, contact Complete Plumbing today and schedule our efficient, professional plumbing services. We service homes and businesses from West Carrollton to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.