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Cold Weather Plumbing Prep

Save Time, Call Prime!

The greatness that is Fall is upon us. Lamar Jackson is eluding would-be tacklers all over the field, the leaves are changing colors, the apples are primed for picking, and the Maryland Renn Fest is in full swing (turkey leg, anyone?). While we hate to be the bearer of bad news, the reality is this beautiful fall weather does have an expiration date.

Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time for homeowners to brush up on some much-needed plumbing precautions. Read on for a few of our top tips on prepping your plumbing for cold weather.

Protect your pipes

The last thing you want to do this winter is deal with frozen or burst pipes. The good news is you can take some preventive measures to help prevent frozen pipes. Some of the most useful advice we can give is to leave faucets running, even if it’s with just the tiniest drip, to keep water flowing and reduce pressure in the pipe. This simple move alone can go a long way toward avoiding frozen pipes and winter plumbing problems. Some other steps you can take to protect your pipes include insulating any of those that are exposed by wrapping them tightly with heat tape, fiberglass pipe wrap, or heat blankets.

Winterizing a leaky outdoor spigot is another essential move that should be part of your annual routine. The first step is to turn off the outdoor spigot valve, which is usually found inside the home and in close proximity to the location of the spigot. Next, you’ll want to unhook the hose, as any hose left attached may hold water that can freeze. This can cause a backup, pipes to crack, or even water to flood back into the home. If you really want to play it safe, purchase an insulated outdoor spigot cover for protection all winter long.

Tune-up your boiler

Given the number of older homes in the Baltimore area, many of us are very familiar with the importance of keeping our boilers in peak operating condition. If you find yourself wondering if it is time for a boiler tune-up, just know there’s no time like the present. An annual boiler tune-up by a trained professional will usually include steps like: visual inspections of the boiler and associated piping, ridding any debris from the boiler, oiling circulators, verifying safety devices are working properly, draining, filling, and bleeding the piping system, draining and refilling overhead expansion tanks, and testing the boiler’s ability to heat the home.

Expect the unexpected—but give a word of caution first

This one might sound like a catch-all, but just hear us out. It often feels like plumbing problems strike at the worst possible time—like, for instance, in the middle of a snowstorm or when you’re hosting family for the holidays. This tip is more about reminding those in your home about some common no-no’s that can reduce the chances of one of those worst-case-scenario plumbing emergencies.

For example, two of the top three holiday plumbing calls we receive are related to kitchen drains and toilet trouble. Make sure everyone in your home understands that you should never put any grease, fat, or oil down the kitchen drain. Why? Those substances will harden and cause clogs in your pipes. The same goes for flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. That means no flushable wipes, feminine products, paper towels, or facial tissues.

If despite your best efforts to winterize your home and warn your guests about what not to do, you still run into problems, there is one other move you can make: Contact the professionals at Prime Plumbing for help. Save time, call Prime!

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Locally owned & OPERATED; Founded IN 2012

We take the worry out of things with upfront pricing

OPTIONS TO HELP YOU finance any service needed

Licensed Technicians who treat your home with care

Our maintenance plans make you the priority

Discount pricing for active and retired militaRy personnel

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    I want give a special thank you to Prime Plumbing Company. Ibrahim and Jalloh worked great as a team converting our home from galvanized pipes to PVC. They worked long days to complete the job. Ibrahim walked me and my family through the entire process and it was neatly done. This is my second time using Prime Plumbing. I will certainly use them again for future projects.
    Theresa Jones
    4 days ago
    Jason was professional, courteous, and thorough. He made certain the drain clog was cleared.
    Robert Labosky
    5 days ago
    Yes! Willie deserves 5!!! STARS ⭐️ and more. Willie fixed my toilet! Willie was on time, professional, neat, considerate, kind and took time to review and research all matters PLUMBING that are valuable to know for future projects including a copy to my email address. I definitely recommend Willie who is a a great asset for PRIME PLUMBING. I’ve had an excellent relationship with PRIME PLUMBING since 2022, from sewer replacement to hot water installation, kitchen faucet replacement, toilet replacement, water pressure testing…. Ask for Willie when you call PRIME PLUMBING for plumbing issues. PRIME PLUMBING’S greatest value is their STAFF! Thanks. Maureen
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    5 days ago
    Ernie and Hailey came out to move our water softener and brine tanks for us. They had great attitudes, completed the job in a timely and efficient manner, and double checked everything was in order and cleaned up before leaving. Thank you both for coming out on short notice and taking care of business!
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    5 days ago
    Good service. Very professional. The tech came in my house with Footies over his shoes making sure that my floors stayed clean. The tech did exceptional work. He was also very friendly.
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    6 days ago

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