Winter is coming, and you need to be prepared for it. You’re probably already making sure that your heating system is up to the task of keeping you warm this coming season, and that’s good. What about your plumbing system, though? There are still plenty of ways that your plumbing system could break down over the next few months, which means you should take the time to make sure that it is properly prepared as well. The following are a couple of the best ways that you can ensure your plumbing system stays healthy and reliable throughout the cold season.
Keep Your Pipes Warm
One common issue that can affect plumbing systems during the winter is frozen pipes. Not all pipes in the home are vulnerable to freezing. In fact, most of the pipes running through your hopefully-insulated-and-heated home will be just fine. There are some, though, that might require a bit of extra attention to prevent them from freezing on especially cold days. Any pipe that is not insulated, and not necessary, should be drained if possible. For example, if you aren’t going to be using your garden hose during the winter season, turn off the water to that faucet and leave the faucet open. This will ensure that there isn’t enough water in the pipe to damage it if it freezes. Pipes that you do need to use over the next several months, like those under your sink, should be insulated. You can have a professional do it for you, or zip-tie some towels around them in a pinch.
Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance
Okay, so you have your pipes protected from the winter temperatures. What about the rest of your plumbing system? If you haven’t already scheduled preventive plumbing maintenance, it’s a good idea to have it done now. Many of the various problems that can affect plumbing systems do not show obvious signs until they’re pretty far along. Things like leaks, for example, may not be noticeable until they’ve caused water damage to the surrounding area. The best way to catch problems with your system early enough to prevent them from damaging it is to schedule regular maintenance.
Annual maintenance inspections give your plumber the chance to locate and resolve potential issues before they have the opportunity to get any worse. This can reduce the odds of a serious problem harming your system by a significant amount, and can help the system run more efficiently as well.
These are a couple of the best ways to prepare your plumbing system for winter. If you want to hear more tips, or you want to schedule an appointment, be sure to call a professional contractor you trust to help you out.