Seasonal Plumbing Tips To Make Sure Your Drains Keep Working

Chilly fall temperatures serve as a polite reminder that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold. As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your home for the challenges of fall and winter. Your plumbing system is particularly vulnerable during this season, as freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes and other issues. So you must call professionals for plumbing services San Diego to get help in such difficult times.

A few simple plumbing preparations now will help prevent headaches and costly repairs throughout the winter months.

• Disconnect outside water hoses. If the hoses are left connected, water can freeze and expand leading to faucets and connecting pipes inside your home freezing and breaking.

• Make sure outside faucets aren't leaking. Make sure to have the necessary repairs or call a plumber if there is a big issue before freezing temperatures arrive. Remember that when pipes freeze, it builds water pressure causing cracks. No matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper, or steel. Even a tiny crack can cause serious damage or flooding.

• If your space has interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain all the water from outside lines.

• You can cover all the outside faucets using a Styrofoam faucet insulation kit available.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, like garages or crawl spaces. Use heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipes that are prone to freezing.

• Seal all the leaks around doors and windows to decrease cold air penetration.

• Your water heater works harder in winter compared to other seasons. Make sure to flush it out and remove the sediment buildup, which can cause corrosion, and reduce heating efficiency. 

• Test the water heater's pressure relief valve by lifting up the lever and letting it snap back carefully. The valve would allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call a professional to get a new valve. 

Caution: if the home water heater is older than five years, and the pressure relief valve has never been tested by yourself, you can call A plumber to be consulted.

• Check out the temperature settings on the thermostat water heater. Setting it at 120°F will give you optimum performance.

• Make sure to clear all the leaves and debris from outside gutters and downspouts for easy drainage when water freezes throughout the winter season.

• Clean your sump pump and pit. Pumps are mostly exposed to extreme cold and freeze, making the pump stop operating.

• If you are leaving home for extended periods, make sure to shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets. Make sure the heat is left on and set above 55°F.

Caution: These plumbing tips are intended for homes that will be inhabited throughout the winter. You can take various other steps for vacation properties that will be left unattended for weeks or months at a time. Seek help from an expert plumber La Mesa, CA during winter for such properties.

By following these fall plumbing tips, you can protect your home from the potential hazards of the colder months and ensure that your plumbing system remains in good working condition. Remember that prevention is key when it comes to plumbing maintenance, so take the time to prepare your home now to avoid costly repairs later.