The winter months are a time of the month when you want to make sure plumbing maintenance is done. Poor plumbing maintenance can lead to serious problems and even flooding in your home. Before cold weather gets here, you will want to make sure you are prepared. Here are some tips to help ensure your home is safe from winter plumbing nightmares and water damage:
1. Weatherizing Your Outdoor Plumbing for Cold Weather
If you have any outdoor plumbing, such as for a sprinkler system, pool or spa, winterizing these systems should be a priority. Make sure that any pipes you do not use during the winter have been disconnected and water removed from them. In addition, make sure that any pipes and equipment for wells and other water systems are insulated to protect them from cold winter freezes. If you have a sprinkler system, contact a plumbing service to have them disconnect and winterize it to ensure that you do not have any freeze damage when you need it in spring.
2. Prevent Burst Pipes and Save Energy with Pipe Insulation Where Needed
Water lines in your home that are exposed to cold air should be insulated. These pipes are the most vulnerable to bursting and causing water damage. You want to insulate all pipes on exterior walls, in attics or in crawl spaces and basements. Insulating these pipes will not only prevent damage, but it will also help reduce energy loss. For areas in attics or crawl spaces, add an extra covering of batten insulation for more protection against winter freezes.
3. Inspection and Servicing of Water Heaters or Boilers Before Cold Weather Arrives
One of the hazards that plumbing in your home has is the boiler or water heater. These are mechanical systems that need to be inspected and maintained to ensure they are working properly and do not cause hazards. It is a good idea to have a plumbing service do maintenance to these mechanical systems before they cold weather arrives. If you have a boiler for radiant heating, talk with the plumbing contractor about helping with servicing the radiators and other components of your heating system to prepare for the winter months.
These are some tips to help ensure your home is safe from winter plumbing nightmares and water damage they cause. If you need help with maintenance and repairs, contact a plumbing contractor to ensure your home is safe this winter.
