Top 7 fall plumbing tips to prepare your home for winter
The following sponsored content is provided by Davis Services, Inc.
Don’t let the warmer weather we’re having this fall lull you into thinking that winter is not on its way.
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system, but a little bit of preparation this fall can help prevent costly plumbing repairs during cold weather. Here are our Top 7 tips to prepare your home’s plumbing system for winter temperatures:
- Check indoor faucets and plumbing fixtures including sinks, toilets and shower heads for leaks and get them repaired before wintertime.
- Make sure outdoor faucets are free of leaks and drips. Turn them off for the winter and shut off the interior valve for outdoor faucets.
- Inspect your home’s plumbing pipes for proper insulation. Remember that exterior and interior pipes in your basement and garage are susceptible to freezing in the wintertime.
- Disconnect your outdoor water hose. This prevents interior pipes that are connected to the outside water faucet from freezing and possibly bursting.
- Remember that your water heater works harder during winter months. Before colder weather arrives, flush it out and remove sediment buildup that can cause corrosion, and reduce life span and heating efficiency.
- If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s clean and in good working condition. Pour a bucket of water on it and check to see that it turns on and pumps the water out. If you notice dampness or foul odors, call a professional plumber.
- When leaving home for an extended period, shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house. Make sure the heat is left on and set no lower than 60°F.
At Davis Services, we offer preventative maintenance inspections and maintenance plans to ensure that your plumbing system is ready to take on colder temperatures and to help you avoid costly repairs.
A plumbing system that is checked regularly and maintained properly will:
- Lower utility costs
- Extend the life of your fixtures
- Reduce repairs and emergency breakdowns by revealing potential problems
About the Author
Brian Davis is Co-Owner and Plumbing Department Manager of Spartanburg, SC-based Davis Services, Inc. Brian grew up in the business learning installation and service of commercial and residential plumbing and drain systems from the best in the industry.
