Is your plumbing ready for winter? Make a habit of doing some simple fall plumbing maintenance every autumn and you will decrease your risk of dealing with plumbing issues that need repairs during the colder months.
Check & Turn off Outdoor Faucets
To prevent freezing during the winter, make sure that you get your outdoor faucets ready for winter by disconnecting your hoses (drain any excess water from them and store them in a dry place) and turn the water off. Check your outdoor faucets for any damage or leaks, and if you find anything, this is the best time of year to fix it in preparation for next year. Once you’ve inspected your outdoor faucets, use a styrofoam insulation kit to protect them for the winter.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
As the temperatures begin to drop, it is important to insulate any exposed pipes, such as those that are located outdoors or in unheated garages. This helps prevent pipes from freezing in the winter, which can result in losing your water and/or the pipes bursting. Identify any exposed pipes in your home and insulate them. You can buy inexpensive and easy-to-use pipe insulation products at your local hardware store.
Have Your Sump Pump Inspected
Your sump pump is most likely to be needed in the fall and winter months. Make sure that you have your sump pump inspected in the fall, have any issues repaired, and ensure that it is well insulated to protect it from freezing and breaking.
Have Your Water Heater Flushed
We recommend having your water heater flushed annually. The best time to do this is in the fall, because your water heater will likely be working overtime as the cold weather comes on. Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup and ensures optimal functioning as well as increases efficiency.
