Dewinterizing Your Plumbing and Heating Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Ahead of a long winter of freezing temperatures here in Montgomery County, many homeowners take the smart step of winterizing their plumbing and heating systems—and for good reason. Frozen pipes, damaged pool lines, and inactive heating systems can lead to costly repairs and major disruptions.

But now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to shift gears. As temperatures rise, your water supply lines, outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, pools, and other plumbing components are ready to be put back to work. 

At the same time, heating systems that have been running nonstop through the winter may need a little attention to prepare for seasonal downtime—or the occasional chilly spring night.

Whether you’re watering new growth in Potomac, prepping your pool in Kensington, or doing a full systems check in Bethesda, dewinterizing properly ensures everything runs smoothly through the warmer months.

If you’re a homeowner in Chevy Chase, Rockville, or anywhere in Montgomery County, this guide is for you. The experts at Leahy Plumbing & Heating are walking you through how to safely and efficiently dewinterize your entire plumbing and heating system—starting with your water supply lines and covering pools, HVAC components, and more.

How to Dewinterize Your Water Supply Lines

Dewinterizing your water supply lines is one of the first and most important steps to ensure everything is running smoothly after a long winter. The process involves more than just turning on the tap—it’s about reintroducing water safely and checking for any hidden damage. Follow these steps to get your system ready for the warmer months ahead.

1. Turn On the Main Water Supply: This should be done slowly and gradually. Turning the main water supply back on quickly can shock the pipes and cause leaks. 
2. Check for Leaks: Inspect all indoor and outdoor pipes, connections, and faucets for any signs of leaks or damage that may have occurred during the winter.   
3. Open all Faucets and Fixtures: Run water from all faucets and fixtures that were winterized. This will flush out any remaining antifreeze (if used), air pockets, or sediment that may have built up. Start with the faucets furthest from the main supply.   
4. Check Water Pressure: Low water pressure could indicate a leak. Use a water pressure gauge to check water pressure throughout the property. A range of 40-80 psi is typical.
5. Remove Faucet Aerators: After removing faucet aerators, clean any debris that may have accumulated in them.   
6. Reconnect Disconnected Supply Lines: Reconnect any water lines that were disconnected for winterization, such as outdoor faucets.

If you have questions about dewinterizing your water supply lines in Bethesda, Rockville, or anywhere in Montgomery County, Leahy Plumbing & Heating can help. Give us a call at 301-652-0478.

Dewinterize Your Pool in Six Steps

Pools need cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks to get them open and ready for use in the warm months. Many homeowners take care of these tasks themselves or rely on their pool service companies. 

However, a plumber’s expertise may be needed for the water-related aspects of the dewinterization process. Here are six steps a plumber might be called upon to dewinterize a pool:

1. Reconnecting and Inspecting Water Lines: A plumber can reconnect any pool plumbing that was disconnected for winter, including lines to the pump, filter, heater, or water features. They’ll inspect all visible pipes, valves, and fittings for cracks or leaks and ensure that valves like multiport or isolation valves are operating correctly.
2. Priming the Pump: If you’re struggling to get water flowing through your pool pump, a plumber can check for suction line air leaks or a poorly sealed pump basket, helping restore proper flow.
3. Inspecting the Pool Heater: For gas or electric heaters, a certified plumber can inspect gas lines, connections, and venting or electrical components to ensure safe, efficient operation before you fire it up for the season.
4. Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure in the pool system can stem from leaks, blockages, or pump issues. A plumber can identify the source and recommend repairs to get things running smoothly again.
5. Diagnosing Underground Plumbing Leaks: If your pool’s water level drops with no visible leaks, a plumber can pressure test underground lines to find and repair hidden leaks below the surface.

Do you need professional help from a qualified plumber in Kensington, Chevy Chase, or anywhere else in Montgomery County to winterize your pool? Contact Leahy Plumbing & Heating today. 

How to Dewinterize Heating Systems

Montgomery County homeowners have been running their heating systems nearly nonstop all winter long. Now that the temperatures are warming up, it’s a good idea to give your heating heating systems a check up to get them ready for seasonal downtime. 

1. Furnace or Boiler: Turn the power supply back on if it was shut off for winter, and check around the unit for any obstructions or visible damage. If you have a gas system, relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the thermostat to heating mode, adjust the temperature, and listen for unusual sounds when the system starts—any odd noises may signal a mechanical issue.
2. Radiators or Baseboard Heaters: Make sure bleeder valves are closed if they were opened during winterization, and once the system is running, check for any leaks around valves or pipe connections.
3. Heat Pump: Remove any winter covers and clear away debris from the outdoor unit. Inspect for damage or issues with the refrigerant lines, turn on the power supply, and test both heating and cooling modes to ensure the system switches properly.
4. Chimney and Vents: Inspect the chimney for blockages or damage, and make sure all heating vents and registers throughout the home are fully open and unobstructed for proper airflow.
5. Air Filters: Replace your HVAC air filters—it’s a simple but important step that supports clean air and system efficiency after a long winter.

If you’re too busy to winterize your heating systems or just want a professional inspection to ensure they are ready for downtime in Bethesda, Rockville, or anywhere in Montgomery County, Leahy Plumbing & Heating can help. Give us a call at 301-652-0478.

Dewinterize Your Plumbing Systems in 4 Steps

When spring arrives, it’s essential to check and restore the parts of your plumbing system that faced the harshest winter conditions. Focusing on unheated and vulnerable areas ensures your home is fully prepared for the changing seasons—and avoids surprise repairs down the line.

1. Check Pipes in Unheated Areas: Pipes running through crawl spaces, basements, garages, or exterior walls are more likely to freeze. If these were winterized, a plumber can inspect for damage and re-insulate them with foam sleeves or heat tape as needed.

2. Inspect the Water Meter: If your water meter is in an exposed or unheated location, check that it wasn’t damaged by freezing temperatures. A professional can ensure it’s properly insulated and functioning accurately.

3. Service Water Softeners and Filtration Systems: These systems are often bypassed or drained for the winter. Now is the time to restore them to normal function. A plumber can check for any damage, flush the system, and ensure proper operation.

4. Test the Sump Pump: While primarily used for wet conditions, sump pumps need to be in top shape year-round. Make sure the discharge line is clear and hasn’t frozen or cracked, so the system is ready for spring showers and runoff.

Need help getting your plumbing systems back up and running? Leahy Plumbing & Heating is here for homeowners across Montgomery County. Call us today at 301-652-0478 to schedule dewinterization service and avoid problems before they start.