Crisp October days mean winter is right around the corner, and your plumbing and heating equipment will be put to the ultimate test to keep you and your family comfortable. Preparing your plumbing for winter is essential during the fall.
Read more to get our top plumbing maintenance tips for this Fall!
Disconnect Outdoor Water Hoses
Remove your outdoor water hoses before colder temperatures hit. If your water hoses are left connected during colder temperatures, the water inside the hoses can freeze and expand. This expansion causes faucets and any connected pipes inside your home to freeze and possibly burst, so it’s best to disconnect your water hoses to avoid this. After disconnecting, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area to prevent any issues to your indoor system.
Fix Outdoor Faucet Leaks
After removing the outdoor water hoses, check the faucet for any leaks. A leaky faucet can lead to water damage and severe plumbing maintenance issues when temperatures are at or below freezing. Fix any leaks and drips from your outdoor faucet during Fall so you are prepared for colder temperatures. Then, turn them completely off and shut off the interior valve for outdoor faucets (usually found in the basement). Once your outdoor faucets are fixed and the water is shut off, cover and insulate the faucets with a Styrofoam insulation kit.
Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare when entering the colder months, so protecting your pipes is a fall plumbing maintenance must. If any of your pipes are located in non-heated areas, such as a cool basement or garage, it is crucial to ensure these pipes are insulated. The insulation will help keep your pipes from freezing during the most crucial winter months.
Seal Glaring Gaps
If you find that certain areas of your home are drafty, seal off places where pipes enter your home. Typically, these areas have developed gaps between the walls and the pipes over time, which can have a serious impact on your utility bill and can even cause pipes to freeze. Spend some time inspecting where pipes enter your home as a part of your plumbing maintenance routine and seal those gaps with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
Take Care of Your Water Heater
As we get closer and closer to winter, your water heater is going to begin working twice as hard to provide the same amount of hot water. Have your water tank completely flushed to help your water heater run as efficiently as possible. Flushing the water heater means you will remove sediment buildup which can block proper heat transfer. Ensure your showers stay hot the whole time by taking care of your water heater.
These plumbing maintenance tips are the perfect job for your weekends this Fall. Make sure your plumbing and heating is ready to withstand New England’s harsh winters.
About Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling,
Founded over 40 years ago, Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is family-owned and operated by the Daigle family. We are proud to provide quality, dependable plumbing, heating, and cooling services for our customers in Derry, NH, and the surrounding areas. Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your partner for all your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Call us today at 603-434-6353 for a free estimate.
