How to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing System for Fall and Winter
Posted on August 28th, 2015 by carrolladmin
High temperatures and humidity have been felt all summer long in Virginia, but believe it or not, fall is right around the corner. Soon we’ll be trading air conditioning for open windows and sprinklers for rakes. As summer winds down, now is the time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the upcoming fall and winter season.
Fall Tune-ups
Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. recommends HVAC service during the late summer/early fall to ensure an efficient system going into heating season. Many homeowners rely on services like seasonal tune-ups and inspections to get their heating equipment ready for use. However, our technicians find that some people aren’t aware that they should also be performing plumbing maintenance.
Why is plumbing maintenance recommended this time of year? This time presents a convenient window of time to perform services that prevent common fall and winter plumbing problems. Exposed pipes, exterior water supply lines, gutters and downspouts are all affected by cold weather. If plumbing components are not prepped appropriately for fall and winter, they can wreck havoc on a home.
So, what kind of plumbing maintenance should be performed? Here are some tips to get your home ready for fall and winter…
Seal drafty spots near plumbing pipes. Don’t let cold air seep into uninsulated areas of your home like garages, crawlspaces and attics. There are a variety of weather-stripping products available that effectively seal drafts and protect pipes.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure easy, open drainage. As temperatures fluctuate, and water freezes and melts, clear pathways are necessary to ensure proper drainage.
Prepare outdoor components for downtime. Faucets and hoses aren’t used as often this time of year, so they should be prepped for periods of inactivity. Disconnect hoses, store them away in a garage or shed, and shut off water valves.
Check rooms with exposed pipes. Plumbing pipes that are exposed to cold air, especially those located in laundry rooms, bathrooms and garages are at risk for freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and keep these areas as warm as possible during the fall and winter.
Don’t let your plumbing system catch you by surprise this fall and winter. Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. offers residential HVAC and plumbing service across Central Virginia. Our technicians can perform the necessary maintenance so that you won’t worry about frozen pipes and costly damages once the weather changes. To schedule seasonal plumbing maintenance, contact Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. today.
