These tips will help keep your plumbing working properly through the coming colder months!
1. Make Sure Outside Valves are Turned Off Water pipes can potentially rupture in freezing temperatures resulting in major leaks and potential flooding inside your home. To prevent frozen pipes, turn off all of your outside valves. These should be turned off from a place inside your home to prevent any water from being exposed to freezing temperatures near the exterior or outside of your home. 2. Know Where Your Home’s Main Water Valve Is Homeowners should know where their main water shut off valve is located. This valve can be critical when water starts leaking unexpectedly. The quicker you can stop the flow of water into your home the better! If a water pipe bursts due to freezing temperatures shutting your main water valve should be your first step in fixing the problem. The pipe will need to be repaired by a professional but stopping the leak is vital to minimizing the overall damage. The main water valve is normally located directly next to the water meter and needs to be kept in working order. Over time these valves can become corroded and leak requiring repair or replacement. Money well spent for when you will inevitably need it one day in the future. 3. Keep an eye on your thermostat If you plan on traveling during the winter months, you may be tempted to turn off or turn down your heat while you are away. However, turning off your heat or lowering it greatly increases if not guarantees bursting pipes. Obviously, If you are out of town for a burst pipe, the damage could be catastrophic. We don't recommend lowering the thermostat to below 55F. In addition, make sure the battery backup for your thermostat is charged and have a friend or family member check on the home every couple of days. 4. Make Sure Your Water Heater Works Correctly Your water heater may be the most important home appliance in the winter months. Ensure it is in optimal working condition by inspecting the area around it to check for any leaks, the plumbing above it for any leaks, and taking notice of any clanking sounds it may make. Another sign of imminent failure is inconsistent water temperatures. 5. Keep Your Kitchen Drains Unclogged During the holidays, at-home meals become the norm. Later into the winter, home dinners are also the popular option over eating out. The way you dispose of this food can significantly impact your plumbing system. For example, oils and fats should never be poured down the sink. These don’t mix with water, can harden, and can contribute to a massive clog. You can instead allow oils and fats to harden in the cooking dish and scape the remains away into the trash bin. Also, if you plan to use a garbage disposal, turn it on first and then add the debris you want. After you’re finished, pour plenty of water down the drain to make sure there aren’t any pesky particles still in the drain. 6. Hire a Plumber for Maintenance Ultimately, timely maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure that your plumbing systems are working properly. Also, a licensed plumber can perform this handiwork to protect these systems and save you money in the long run. By hiring a plumber, you can receive an itemized work order that will detail all of the maintenance work they will do to prevent widespread plumbing issues. Do you need winter maintenance for your plumbing systems? If so, click here to learn more about our residential plumbing services. You can also click here to request a booking.by following these quick preventative measures you can keep your plumbing system working properly, prevent leaks, and save yourself from unexpected plumbing emergencies!
