Preparing Your Pipes for the Colder Months
The fall months are a great time to make sure your home is prepared for the winter. That means making sure your heater is ready to go, bringing out the winter coats, and taking a good look at your home plumbing. The colder months bring with them the risk of frozen and burst pipes, and the wear-and-tear and buildup your system has accumulated in the past few seasons can increase that risk and affect your comfort. Use these simple tips and tricks to make sure your pipes are just as prepared as you are for the oncoming chill.
Get Rid of Last Season’s Build-up
Over the spring and summer months, your plumbing has been through a lot. Food has gone down the sink, hair has infiltrated shower drains, and all sorts of buildup could be hiding inside your pipes, restricting the flow of water through your home. Make sure you’re not inconvenienced in the coming months by slow drains, clogs, and other plumbing problems by thoroughly cleaning all of your drains.
Inspect for Damages
Not all the pipes in your home are visible, but the ones that are can be a great indicator of your whole system’s general health. Check your pipes for issues like these:
- Rust
- Cracks
- Corrosion
- Warping (if your pipes are plastic)
- Loose fastenings
- Signs of a potential leak
If you spot any issues, contact a plumber right away. Cracked pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing!
Check Your Water Heater
Hot water will be especially essential as the temperature outside starts to drop. Make sure you won’t be running out any time soon by addressing any symptoms of age, inefficiency, or imminent breakdown during the fall, before the truly freezing temperatures hit. Keep an eye and ear out for warning signs like:
- Rattling or banging noises coming from the tank
- Off-color, foul-smelling, or strange-tasting water
- Frequent loss of hot water
- Fluctuating water temperatures or pressure
- Water pooling around the base
If you feel comfortable doing so, clearing out your water heater’s tank is a great way to clear out sediment build-up and improve your unit’s efficiency and effectiveness. For more serious maintenance and repairs, a qualified technician can help you make sure your water heater is in fighting shape.
For Best Results, Invest in Professional Maintenance
Professional plumbing services are the easiest and most effective way to make sure your fall plumbing maintenance gets done the right way. Licensed plumbers have access to tools, equipment, and training that allows us to evaluate the condition of your plumbing system and apply the best products and services to ensure it keeps running smoothly 365 days a year.
Call Donmar Heating Cooling and Plumbing at (703) 457-8676 today to schedule your maintenance appointment!