Every fall, you prepare your lawn for winter, get the cars ready for snow and ice on the roads, and tackle those fall to-dos. One item that is very likely to be missing from your fall checklist is that of your home’s plumbing. Just like the exterior of your home, the plumbing inside and hiding in the walls needs winterizing. By taking the time to maintain your home’s plumbing and prepare it for the cold in and out, you can prevent those costly winter plumbing issues from happening.
Essential Fall Plumbing Tips Provided by Oakville Plumbers
Now is the time to break out that to-do list you have been holding onto and add a few more items for your home’s plumbing. If you do not have the time, you can always use professional plumbing services to tackle these tasks and have one less item on your plate.
Here is what you need to do to prepare your plumbing:
Drain and Winterize Exterior Water Fixtures: Water fixtures outside will not handle freezing temperatures and snow. Now is the time to drain all garden hoses and put them away in a shed or garage. Spigots should be emptied and left on if the water has been turned off.
Be Drain Wise: Your home’s drains tend to take a beating in the fall and winter, especially with more family meals at home and of course, the holidays. Regardless, be cautious about what you put down the drain. Remember that your kitchen sink is not meant for leftovers; instead, you should dispose of food and grease in the trash before washing dishes.
Prevent Freezing: Frozen pipes increase the chances of a pipe burst, which is by far the most expensive plumbing It could flood your home, cause hundreds to thousands in water damage, and leave your home in disarray. To avoid this, make sure all pipes that are not exposed to your home’s heat are insulated properly. When you are not home, do not turn the temperatures down too low, even if your intent is to save on heating costs. When the temperatures drop too low, you put your home’s pipes at risk for freezing and bursting under pressure.
Do Not Ignore the Gutters: Consider your home’s gutters and downspouts as your exterior plumbing. They take water and draw it away from your house, thus ensuring that you do not have mould, foundation issues, or water leaks. Fall is the time to clean them and remove any leaves, dirt, or debris for better flow.
Getting your home ready for winter can be challenging, especially with school, work, and holiday preparations. To make the process easier, have your plumbing concerns addressed by an experienced Oakville plumber from Pitton Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Take care of those plumbing repairs and your fall plumbing to-dos before winter is here. Contact Pitton Plumbing to schedule our professional plumbing services by calling 1-800-499-4184. Also, feel free to contact us online.