Changing leaves means colder weather, which can lead to some temperature-specific plumbing concerns. Fall foliage is beautiful on the Main Line ― plumbing issues can certainly put a damper on your enjoyment of the season! Here are some tips from Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C on how to make sure your pipes are ready to handle the cold temperatures.
Bundle Up! Insulate Your Pipes
During the colder seasons, warmth is as important for your plumbing as it is for you. Water expands as it freezes, so frozen water inside a pipe can cause it to burst from the pressure. This can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home. Any pipe can freeze, but a pipe may be at a higher risk if it is:
- Outside, or in an outside wall
- In a cabinet under the sink
- In an unheated basement or crawl space
Before extreme temperatures arrive, make sure your indoor and outdoor pipes are adequately insulated. Insulation alone won’t stop a pipe from freezing, but it helps prevent heat loss and protects exposed pipes in cold areas. Solution Based can help you assess whether your pipes are properly insulated.
Put Away Your Water Hose
On a similar note, always include wrapping up your garden hose as part of your fall routine. If a hose is left hooked up to an outdoor faucet, the water in the pipe can freeze.
Clean Your Sump Pump
On the Main Line, fall means rain and winter means snow. If you have a basement, chances are you have a device called a sump pump. This pump prevents your basement from flooding during rain and snow melts. Make sure your sump pump is free of debris. To check for clogs, you can pour water into the sump basin or pit and see if it drains properly. Call a plumbing expert if you need help or discover a problem with the pump.
Service Your Water Heater
Lastly, fall is a good time to make sure your water heater is working properly so that there are no surprises when it gets really cold outside. Drain your water heater to empty out any sediment buildup, and think about replacing your heater now if you know it’s on its last legs. Check out our instructional videos on how to perform basic maintenance for your water heater and radiator.
Main Line Plumbing Experts
You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your plumbing is going to make it through the cold months. In addition to following the tips above, call us at Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C if you notice any issues with your plumbing or heating system. We pride ourselves on getting repairs done quickly and safely to ensure that you will be comfortable in your home this fall.