As temperatures start to drop in Maryland, it’s time to think about how your plumbing system will handle the colder months ahead. Winter can be tough on your home’s pipes, water heaters, and fixtures—especially if they’re outdated or not prepared for freezing weather.
Taking a proactive approach now can help you avoid costly plumbing emergencies, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable all season long.
At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we help homeowners prepare for winter with professional plumbing installations and upgrades designed to save energy and prevent damage. Here are some of the top plumbing improvements to consider before the cold weather sets in.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your water heater, fall is the perfect time to do it. A tankless water heater offers several advantages over traditional tank systems; especially during the winter months.
Benefits include:
- Endless hot water: Perfect for cold mornings and holiday guests.
- Energy efficiency: Only heats water as needed, reducing utility costs.
- Compact design: Saves space compared to bulky storage tanks.
- Long lifespan: Typically lasts longer than standard models with less maintenance.
Older tank-style heaters are more prone to failure in cold weather, especially if sediment buildup or corrosion has weakened the system. Replacing yours before winter helps ensure reliable performance when you need it most.
Pipe Insulation
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems, and one of the most expensive to repair. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst, leading to major water damage once it thaws.
Installing pipe insulation is an affordable and effective way to protect your home. Foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves create a protective barrier that helps maintain water temperature and prevents freezing. Our team can quickly identify vulnerable areas in your plumbing system and insulate them before temperatures drop.
Sump Pump Installation or Maintenance
Winter weather in Maryland can bring heavy rain and melting snow, both of which increase the risk of basement flooding. A sump pump is your first line of defense.
If you don’t already have one, installing a sump pump before winter can help protect your home’s foundation and belongings. If you already have one, now’s the time to schedule a preseason inspection to make sure it’s working properly.
Frost-Free Outdoor Faucets
Standard outdoor spigots can trap water inside, which can freeze and burst the pipe inside your wall. Replacing them with frost-free hose bibs is a simple but valuable upgrade.
Frost-free faucets are designed with a longer stem that keeps the water shutoff valve safely inside your home’s warm interior, reducing the risk of freezing. This upgrade provides peace of mind all winter long and eliminates the need to disconnect hoses or wrap faucets in insulation every year.
Water Filtration or Softener System
Cold weather can highlight hidden plumbing issues, including mineral buildup, corrosion, and scale that reduce water flow and efficiency. A whole-home water filtration or softener system can help protect your plumbing while improving water quality. Our team can recommend and install a system tailored to your home’s water quality, giving you cleaner, softer water year-round.
Boiler or Heating System Maintenance
If your home uses a boiler-based heating system, don’t wait until the first cold snap to check it. Routine boiler maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently and safely throughout the winter.
If your boiler is older or unreliable, upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can significantly reduce heating costs and improve comfort all season long.
Leak Detection and Smart Shutoff Systems
Finally, one of the smartest winter upgrades you can make is installing a smart leak detection system. These devices monitor your plumbing for unusual water flow and automatically shut off the supply if a leak or burst pipe is detected.
With 24/7 monitoring and smartphone alerts, smart water systems provide instant protection from winter-related water damage, even if you’re not home.
Get Your Home Winter-Ready with Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating
A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing winter plumbing problems. From water heater upgrades to pipe insulation and sump pump checks, these installations can protect your home, save energy, and give you peace of mind all season long.
At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we provide expert plumbing services and winterization solutions tailored to Maryland homes. Our team of licensed technicians is ready to help you choose and install the right systems to keep your home warm, dry, and efficient.
Call us at (866) 532-0130 or schedule your winter plumbing appointment online today.