Prepare Your Plumbing System for Winter
When temperatures drop in Chicagoland, that means it’s time to prepare for the year’s comfiest season. Of course, getting yourself ready for the cool weather is a breeze. Favorite sweater? Check! Warm boots? Got it! Cup of pumpkin spice coffee? Already in hand. Prepping your home, however, takes a bit more time and effort — but it’s both essential and worthwhile.
When winter starts to approach, many homeowners look to get their heaters in shape, but it’s important to give your plumbing system the same level of attention. In this blog, our plumbing team at American Vintage Home will share how you can make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for the winter weather.
The Winter Plumbing Checklist
When temperatures eventually drop, it’s important to make sure that your home and its plumbing system are ready for the first frost. By following this checklist from our expert plumbers, your plumbing system will be in good shape to handle the freezing weather.
Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest and most costly plumbing problems in the wintertime. If the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, they can expand and, ultimately, burst. This causes major damage to your home and a major headache for you. To help prevent this from occurring, be sure to insulate your pipes, particularly those that are in unheated areas of your home, such as an attic, crawl space or garage.
When winter arrives and you know that temperatures are about to seriously drop, make sure to drip your pipes. Leaving a small drip can help relieve pressure in your pipes and prevent them from freezing or bursting.
Winterize Your Water Heater
Your water heater should be flushed on an annual basis, and fall is the perfect time to do so. By flushing your system, you’re able to remove any sediment buildup, which allows your system to operate more efficiently and for you to save money on your energy bills. Flushing your water heater can be a complicated task, though, so it’s best to call on our professionals for help.
You should also test the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve to ensure that you’ll have a steady flow of hot water during the chillier months. Once the valve is located and opened, water should pour out of the discharge pipe. If so, the TPR valve is working properly. If not, our experts will recommend the proper repair.
Inspect Basement Plumbing
Plumbing systems in basements often go overlooked, but this area can be prone to issues during wintertime, so it’s important to get ahead of them. Look for issues like foul odors, pest problems, clogs, or visible racks in plumbing appliances. These signs can indicate sewage or drainage issues, which are not to be taken lightly. If you notice any issues, schedule a professional plumbing inspection so that a trained plumber can identify any issues and determine the best route to resolving them. While it may be tempting to ignore the problem and hope it will disappear on its own, the longer you wait to have your plumbing inspected, the more likely you are to pay a hefty price for the necessary repair or replacement.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
If you have outdoor hoses, these are especially likely to freeze as they have little to no protection from the weather. Make sure to disconnect and drain any water hoses and then store them indoors before the first freeze.
Prepare for Extended Absences
If you are a snowbird that escapes the Chicago area for winter, it’s important to prep your house before you leave. This also applies if you will be away from your home for any extended period of time. Before you leave, shut off the main water supply completely. Then, turn on all of your faucets to all the water to drain from the pipes.
Choose American Vintage Home for Plumbing Services You Can Trust
Wintertime is supposed to be the most wonderful time of year. And, at American Vintage Home, we want to be sure it stays that way. Rather than letting the cold weather wreak havoc on your home and your family’s comfort, we’re here to help winterize your space. This way, you can spend less time dealing with weather-related catastrophes and more time sledding in the backyard.
With complete knowledge in the construction of both new and older homes, our experts will help you save as much money as possible and improve your plumbing and your comfort system for the long haul. And since you can’t always predict what’s going to happen, we offer 24-hour emergency services!
To learn more about our services or to speak with a representative, call American Vintage Home or contact us online today.
