If your home’s plumbing is not prepared for the winter season, you’re risking the chance of having more severe plumbing issues later on down the road. The winter months can cause put some serious strain on your plumbing system if your home is not prepared for extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Here are some tips that can help your home plumbing system last through the cold winter months.
Protection from Freezing Pipes: The water inside of your pipes can freeze due to the cold temperatures. Frozen pipes have the potential of bursting which can cause massive home flooding and causing damage to the structure of your home and furniture. Wrapping each exposed pipe in a layer of foam is a great way to insulate each pipe.
Leaking Pipes: Check your home for leaking pipes and repair them as soon as you can. Check your bathroom, kitchen, and cabinets for signs of potential leaking. If you do notice signs of leaking contact your local Plummer for to fix your pipes right away.
Drain Water Heater: Living in a location that utilizes hard water can cause sediment to build up in the tank. Having sediment in your water tank can lead to rusting inside the water heater tank. Rust can find its way into your drinking, bathing, and cooking water. If your water heater is of an older generation, consider purchasing a new water heater.
Removing Hose: Pack away your garden hose for the winter months. Leaving your water hose outside can cause any water left in the hose to freeze and expand, freezing the faucet and any connecting pipes too.
Before cold weather hits, you will need to inspect your sump pump and the pit in which it rests. When exposed to extreme colds, your pump can freeze over causing it to fail. A malfunctioning sump pump can cause flooding in the basement area. Hire a professional to inspect the pump to avoid any serious issues in the near future.