We all know the winter weather is just around the corner but is your home fully prepared for the oncoming chill? At Orion Plumbing & Heating, we want to ensure that your home’s plumbing is operating at its best, no matter the season. Now is the time to take care of the routine winter prep and avoid the headaches the cold can entail. Here are some helpful ways to ensure your home is safe and ready:
1. Remove and store hoses: If you have hoses attached to your outdoor faucets, remove and drain them so that water will not freeze inside. Hoses that freeze during winter may become damaged. Shut off water to the same outside faucets.
2. Let your faucets drip: Allowing your kitchen and bathroom faucets to drip slowly when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing can prevent pressure from building up in your internal pipes. This is particularly important if your outdoor pipes happen to freeze.
3. Keep your home warm: Maintaining the temperature in your home at 55 degrees or higher will help prevent your internal pipes from freezing. Try to maintain a constant temperature in your home without significant fluctuation.
4. Cover your pipes: Any exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or attics should be wrapped with insulation. Insulation is typically sufficient protection for outdoor pipes, but if your home endures extremely cold temperatures, you may wish to have a heating cable in addition to the insulation.
5. Check for clogs: If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, ensure that inappropriate materials are being thrown away rather than broken down in the disposal. This includes fibrous items like banana peels or potato skins. Also, if your bathroom sink has been draining slowly, proper cleaning is likely needed and will help your plumbing’s performance during the cold months.
6. Take care of your sump pump: A damaged sump pump is one of the most common causes of the infamous flooded basement. Check on your sump pump and clean it if necessary so that it operates well.
7: Fix all leaks: If you have a known leak or two, make sure you repair them or have a professional fix them. Now is the time to repair them before the freezing temperatures can create more damage.
Preparing your home for the winter can seem like a lot, and we want you to feel confident that your home is ready for the coming months. If you have any questions or would like us to help you prep, contact us today. Our plumbers are here and ready to make your day simpler!
