Building snowmen, going ice skating, starting snowball fights, and drinking hot cocoa. These are just a few of the many fun things you can do once winter weather arrives. When temperatures drop, people everywhere find themselves bundling up and venturing out. Why? To see what winter-themed activities they can enjoy today, of course!
Unfortunately, this time of year is not so kind to your pipes and plumbing. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of what types of plumbing issues may occur. This way you can do your best to prevent them before they turn into big problems. Check out the more common wintertime plumbing problems below!
Water Heater Prep
Sediment is quick to build up in your water heater, inviting rust along with it. A rusty water heater means the water you use to drink, shower, cook, and more can become quickly contaminated, putting your loved ones at risk for health issues. Draining your water heater will give these materials a chance to clear out. You can even add a few extra gallons to ensure everything is adequately flushed away. Once you are done, re-fill the tank, and your water will be good as new!
Avoiding Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common issues a homeowner will face when it comes to wintertime and your plumbing. When water inside of a pipe freezes, it expands, putting way too much pressure on the entire system. If one or more pipes burst, you are looking at a big mess and a lot of costly repairs.
Prevent pipes from freezing by draining all outdoor hoses, pools, and sprinkler lines. You will also want to insulate any pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures. These may be in your attic, crawlspace, basement, garage, or underneath cabinets throughout the home.
If you are concerned that temperatures are too low, turn on your faucet so a small trickle is allowed out. This will keep things flowing, so your pipes stay safe. You can also keep cabinets open, so warm air can get to them, and be sure to keep your garage door closed, so no outdoor pipes are exposed to nasty weather.
Inspect Your Sump Pump
If temperatures get too low, your sump pump could function less efficiently or, worse, stop functioning altogether! Between rain, sleet, and snow, your home is exposed to a lot of water this time of year. The last thing you need a flooded basement, so have your sump pump checked out to ensure it is properly winterized and ready to face the cold months ahead.
Call The Experts
The staff at Stadler Plumbing is trained and ready to inspect your plumbing and ensure you are good to go this entire winter season. If you need help or are facing any issues, call on us today! We also offer emergency services 24/7, so you know we are here for you whenever you need us. Don’t wait until it is too late – turn to us now!