With the beginning of fall officially here, it’s time to start focusing on your home’s seasonal maintenance. While it may seem like winter is far off, fall is the best time to knock out your winter preparation to-do list. To help prepare you for the colder months, we have 7 Plumbing Maintenance Tips to get your home safe and ready for winter.
1. Outdoor Water Hoses
If your water hoses are left connected during colder temperatures, water inside the hoses can freeze and expand. This expansion can cause faucets and any connected pipes inside your home to freeze and break. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area.
2. Outdoor Faucets
After you remove the hose, check the faucet for any leaks or drips. If any of your outdoor faucets leak or drip, fall is the time to fix them. A leaking faucet can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues during a freeze. Once your outdoor faucets are fully fixed, cover and insulate the faucets with a Styrofoam insulation kit.
3. Interior Shut-Off
Your home may be equipped with an interior shut-off valve that is connected to the outside faucets and plumbing. Shut off the interior valve and open the outdoor faucet valve to ensure there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze.
4. Insulate Pipes
If any of your pipes are housed in non-heated areas, such as a crawl space or a garage, it is crucial to ensure these pipes are insulated. This protection will help keep your pipes from freezing during the winter.
5. Seal Gaps
In areas where pipes enter your home, it is common for gaps between the walls and the pipes to develop over time. These gaps allow for cold air penetration, which could have a severe impact on your utility bill and even cause pipes to freeze. Spend some time reviewing where pipes enter your home and seal the gaps with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
6. Sump Pumps
If your sump pump is exposed to any extreme temperatures, it may freeze and be unable to operate efficiently. Inspect your sump pump to make sure it is properly insulated and clean.
7. Water Heaters
As we move into winter, your water heater will be working much harder to provide the same level of hot water. To help your water heater run as efficiently as possible, have the tank completely flushed. By flushing the water heater, you are removing sediment buildup, which blocks proper heat transfer.
For help preparing your home’s plumbing for winter, give us a call today