Before the crisp fall air starts to roll in, it’s time to think about your plumbing now. At Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we know how Michigan winters can sneak up fast—and if your plumbing isn’t ready, you could face costly repairs. Luckily, there are smart plumbing upgrades that pay off before the cold really hits.
Whether you’re worried about freezing pipes or just want to save on energy bills, we’re here to help you get your home winter-ready. Let’s break down the best upgrades to consider.
Upgrade Your Water Heater Before It Quits on You
Why It’s Worth Replacing Now
Your water heater works hard every day, but winter is when it’s under the most pressure. If yours is over 10 years old or just can’t keep up with hot water demands, now’s a great time to upgrade. The last thing you want is for it to quit during a freezing Michigan night.
Upgrading your water heater now means:
- More efficient heating (which means lower energy bills)
- A reliable supply of hot water when it matters most
- Reduced risk of emergency breakdowns in the dead of winter
Consider a Tankless Water Heater
If you’re looking for long-term savings and on-demand hot water, a tankless water heater is a great investment. These compact systems heat water only when you need it, which means no wasted energy keeping a tank warm all day.
Insulating Pipes Can Save You from a Major Headache
Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and expensive) winter plumbing problems. When water freezes, it expands—putting intense pressure on your pipes. If they burst, the water damage can be serious and expensive to repair.
Adding insulating pipe wraps to exposed or poorly protected pipes (especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages) is one of the easiest ways to prevent freezing. It’s a small job that can save you thousands in repairs.
Boost Your Energy Efficiency Too
Insulated pipes don’t just prevent freezing—they also help keep hot water hot. That means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard to reheat water as it travels through your system, saving you energy and money all winter long.
Replace Old Fixtures That Waste Water and Energy
Swap Out Leaky Faucets and Toilets
A dripping faucet or constantly running toilet might seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, it adds up in wasted water and higher utility bills. Cold weather can also make these issues worse by putting extra strain on worn-out parts.
Upgrading to newer, water-efficient fixtures not only saves money, but also prepares your home to handle winter’s demands without failure.
Install Frost-Free Hose Bibs
If you still have standard outdoor faucets, consider replacing them with frost-free hose bibs. These prevent water from sitting in the pipe just inside the wall—where it could freeze and burst. It’s a simple change that adds protection year after year.
Consider a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection
If it’s been a while since your plumbing was checked, now is the perfect time for a whole-home plumbing inspection. When you sign up for a Kotz plumbing maintenance plan, we’ll look for early signs of wear, corrosion, leaks, and trouble areas that might be at risk during freezing temps.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your home’s plumbing is ready for anything winter throws your way—and if we spot something, we’ll help you fix it before it turns into a big problem.
Call now to learn more about our signature Red Carpet Maintenance Plans.
Don’t Wait for a Plumbing Emergency
Michigan winters don’t play around. A single frozen pipe, broken water heater, or cracked outdoor faucet can create stress, damage, and expensive repairs. Taking the time now to make smart plumbing upgrades is one of the best ways to protect your home and your wallet.
Call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing For Your Plumbing Upgrades
At Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Waterford and Oakland County, MI stay safe and comfortable since 1929. We’re locally owned, fully licensed, and proud of our reputation for honest, reliable service.
Whether you need help insulating pipes, upgrading your water heater, or scheduling a full system check, we’ve got you covered.
Let us help you get winter-ready—give us a call today or schedule your service online!
