Seasonal Plumbing Tips
No matter what the season, certain plumbing maintenance tasks in and around your home should be completed on a regular basis. Staying on top of these plumbing tasks ensures the health and safety of your family. Routine plumbing maintenance also eliminates the need for costly plumbing repairs in the future.
Fall and Winter Plumbing Tips
Cold weather in the fall and winter months means that you should disconnect outdoor water hoses to keep them from freezing or breaking. You should also check for any drips or leaks before the temperature gets too cold. Make sure your pipes don’t have any cracks, and replace or repair them if they do. Cracked pipes can cause serious damage. Cold temperatures can cause the water inside the pipe to expand causing cracks. And cracks can lead to flooding. Be sure to drain any excess water from outdoor hoses too. Cover outdoor water faucets to prevent them from freezing. These covers are fairly inexpensive and available at stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s or Menard’s. It’s also a good idea to seal all leaks around windows and doors to keep out cold air. You should also insulate any pipes in areas unheated areas of your home such as your garage or crawlspace.
Water Heater
Another important item in your home that requires routine maintenance is your water heater. It runs more often during the autumn and winter months so make sure to have a plumbing professional flush and test it to ensure that it’s running efficiently. Flushing the water heater removes sediment. Sediment build-up can cause the water heater to corrode or break down altogether. The ideal temperature for your water heater is one hundred and twenty (120) degrees Fahrenheit.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn leaves are beautiful. But they can cause problems in your outside gutters and downspouts if they aren’t cleared away. Doing this will ensure that water will drain properly when it freezes and thaws during the winter.
Sump Pumps
Make sure your sump pump and pit are cleaned and inspected by a certified plumbing professional. Sump pumps will not work properly if they freeze or are exposed to cold temperatures.
Travelling For the Holidays
If you’re leaving home for the holidays remember to shut off the main water valve and drain the sump pump by opening it. If you’re leaving home for longer than a day, make sure your heat is set at no lower than fifty-five (55) degrees Fahrenheit to prevent your appliances or pipes from freezing while you’re away.
How to Find an Experienced Plumber in Your Area
If you need to find a qualified plumber in your area to help with seasonal plumbing maintenance around your home, use the internet. For example, if you’re looking for a plumber simply search for the keywords plumber. You can also ask a friend or family member for a recommendation. Keeping up with routine plumbing maintenance tasks will ensure that your family is safe and healthy throughout the holiday season.
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