As fall settles in, you may be switching out your t-shirts for sweatshirts and sandals for boots. When the weather gets cool, we do a lot to prepare. However, we often forget to prepare our home. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on a plumbing system that isn’t prepared properly. You may be ready for fall, but is your plumbing system? Here are a few things that you can do to get your pipes ready for the chilly weather ahead:
DIY
Insulate Your Pipes
We may not have to worry about it yet, but freezing temperatures will reach us eventually! Pipes are susceptible to freezing any time the temp drops low enough. When they do freeze, they can burst, resulting in thousands of dollars in water damage and pipe repair.
The best way to prevent this, other than keeping your home properly heated, is insulating your pipes. Self-adhesive pipe insulation is readily available at most home supply stores and it’s easy to apply. You can easily do it on your own! A DIY project like this can take one day or several, depending on how many pipes you have access to. You simply cut the insulation to the right size and attach it to your pipes.
Keep in mind that there are hidden pipes throughout your system. Some are located underground while others are behind walls or in hard to reach areas. These pipes can’t be insulated, but you can protect them on cold nights by leaving your faucets running at a drip and keeping your home heated to 60 degrees or higher.
Disconnect Your Hose
Spring and summer are over, and it’s likely that you won’t be spending as much time watering the lawn or garden as it gets cooler. As the seasons transition, you should disconnect any outdoor hoses from your home’s exterior and drain. Store the hose somewhere dry for the cooler months, and be sure to shut off any water access valves leading to the outdoor spigot.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works extra hard during the cooler months to keep the warm water flowing through your taps, showers, and plumbing appliances. While it does need routine professional maintenance, you can keep an eye on your own in between services. Before it gets too chilly outside, check your water heater for any signs of wear and tear. Rust, dents, leaks and any other warning signs should be addressed by a Streamline professional immediately. If you’re concerned about the inside of your tank, you can drain a portion of the water from your tank into a bucket. If there’s any sediment build up or rust in the water you drain, you may be in need of replacement.
Why Choose Streamline?
For over two decades, Streamline Services has been a premier specialist in plumbing repair and installation services in the greater Raleigh area. We are capable of routine and emergency plumbing to ensure your system is draining, flushing, and moving properly throughout your home. From leaky pipes to new installations, leave it to us to get the job done right today!
To get your plumbing system ready for fall, call Streamline Services today!
