Our Company Blog
Winter Plumbing Tips
As we experience cooler temperatures, many find themselves wondering what they need to do to get their home ready for winter. If you’re looking to avoid stressful catastrophes and costly plumbing repair work, review some of the following guidelines. At Stadler Plumbing, our experts are qualified, experienced, and eager to set you up right with everything you need to have a safer and more comfortable holiday season.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare your plumbing for colder temperatures is to invest in insulation for your pipes. This especially goes for pipes that are in colder areas of the home, such as the garage, the attic, and the basement. You may even want to consider moving outdoor piping inside of the home, if time and funds allow.
Why is this such an essential step? Because if your pipes end up freezing, they will expand and experience a lot of excess pressure. They aren’t designed to take on wear and tear of this nature, which means they could easily burst, leaving you with all kinds of damage to address. Not only will you need to face expensive plumbing repairs, but you will also experience a lot of water damage throughout your home, especially if you aren’t home to address it right away
As a plumbing company based in Michigan, you can bet that we know what we’re doing when it comes to addressing and preventing frozen pipes. We have tips for keeping your plumbing functioning well all year long, and should you face frozen pipes, we can help you pick up the pieces. In every case, our team has your back!
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
Another step we urge homeowners to take is turning off outdoor faucets, drain them, and store any hoses. These areas are prone to freeze, as well, and can cause damage both inside and outside of your home. Along with this, hoses that are left out may still contain water which could wind up freezing and damaging them. It’s a lot more affordable to store them somewhere warm for a few months then go through the hassle of buying a new ones come spring.
Have Your Water Heater Inspected
Your water heater has to work extra hard in the wintertime. The outdoor weather is constantly cooling down your pipes and water supply, so your heater has to put in some overtime to ensure your water stays at a warm and comfortable temperature. Because of this, it would be a good idea to have it inspected and to invest in any necessary repair work for the system, as well.
Think a new water heater may be in order? Here are some signs to watch out for:
Rumbling Noises: If you’ve been hearing rumbling or clanking noises from your tank, then there is likely a lot of sediment that has built up and hardened inside of it. This causes the appliance to function less efficiently, and it could easily lead to damages and leaks, as well.
Old Age: Have you had your water heater for over 10 years? If you have an older model installed, this is likely as long as they will last, and if you haven’t started experiencing issues yet, you probably will soon. Consider investing in a replacement before the cold season begins.
Rusty Water: If your water is continuously rusty, then there is likely rust building up inside of your water heater. Ask a professional to check things over, though, because it could be rusty pipes causing the issue.
Leaks & Excess Moisture: If you notice water or moisture surrounding your water heater, then there may be damages present that needs addressing. If too many fractures or cracks have formed, replacing the unit may be your best option.
Invest In Leak Repair Services
Never put off leak repair services, especially now when your pipes are especially prone to experience damage. The last thing anyone wants during the holiday season is a plumbing mess on their hands, and it can be extra difficult to deal with these issues amidst snow and freezing temperatures. Get everything taken care of now, so you can rest easy throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
Experiencing A Cold Snap?
If temperatures drop especially low, there are some things to keep in mind throughout this time. First of all open kitchen and bathroom cabinets, to ensure your pipes have access to the warmer temperatures throughout your home. It’s also wise to keep a small trickle of water running from your faucet, so that the water in your pipes has little opportunity to freeze.
Always leave your heat on and above 55 degrees, even if you’re leaving the home, and be sure to keep your garage door closed. All of these things could make the difference in keeping your plumbing intact.
Locate Your Shut Off Valve
Knowing where the shut-off valve for your water supply is can save you a lot of stress and expense should an unfortunate accident occur. If water is leaking into your home, the sooner you can shut everything down, the less damage you will wind up facing. Don’t waste valuable minutes searching after a pipe has burst… rather, find it now, so you know exactly where to go when disaster strikes.
Not Sure Where To Start?
If you aren’t sure where to start or what steps to take with your plumbing as we move into the winter months, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. At Stadler Plumbing, we have the training, the tools, and the expertise to set you up, and we know exactly what to look for.
Don’t put it off – reach out today, and we can get started!
Have A Leak? Here’s What We Think
Experiencing leaks throughout your home is a frustrating ordeal, and finding solutions is not always easy. If you cannot seem to figure out why your plumbing is causing you problems, then the best course of action is to call in an experienced plumber to help you out. That’s where the Stadler Plumbing crew comes in!
Learn more about leaks below, then get in touch with our team right away. We will come and evaluate your setup and situation. In no time, your drains, faucets, and pipes will be in tip-top shape again, and you won’t have to stress about annoying drips any longer.
Possible Causes
When it comes to leaks, there are a few different types you may discover in your home. We address each leak differently, depending on where it is and what caused it. In the wintertime, for instance, homeowners are more prone to experience leaks associated with frozen pipes. These must be addressed quickly to avoid as much damage as possible, and homeowners should immediately turn off their water once the problem is discovered.
Avoid further damage to your pipes and home by staying ahead of frozen pipes. Water expands as it freezes so it is best to be aware before a freeze. Do your best to avoid this issue by investing in proper insulation and by draining all outdoor water sources before cold temperatures set back in.
Other causes of leaks can range from clogs to broken seals to corrosion and more. Many times the solution is as simple as switching out an old, damaged part for a new one, while other times there may be a bigger problem to address, like tree roots growing into the pipe. No matter the issue, we are equipped to help you resolve it.
Our Team Is Ready To Help
Now, a leak or two can wind up costing you a lot down the line. A few drips here and there may not seem like a big deal, but it increases your water bill significantly! There’s no reason to pay more for water you aren’t using. Additionally, a leak may be a sign of bigger problems that should not be ignored.
You are better off calling in a licensed plumber to solve the problem, to avoid a big mess later. Fortunately for homeowners in Macomb County, the Stadler Plumbing crew is equipped and ready to help!
For more information, give us a call. We are happy to stand by you every step of the way, and we are certain there is no better team to rely on than us. Our family-owned company is licensed, insured, and ready to solve any and all of your plumbing woes. Contact us today!
