From the television commercials boasting the must-have toys, to department stores adorned with garlands and lights and Santa making his appearance at your local mall, it’s safe to say the holiday season Plumbing is upon us.
But before you dust off your festive decorations and plan your holiday meals, you’ll want to make sure your home plumbing is ready not just for the holidays, but the entire cold weather season.
You see, long stretches of cold weather make a home’s plumbing extremely susceptible to system breakdowns, premature wear and tear, and burst pipes due to freezing. But by knowing what CAN go wrong, you can help make sure it doesn’t.
Here’s how to get started:
- Disconnect and drain all outside hoses and store them for the winter. Then shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain them to prevent freezing.
- Winterize your in-ground irrigation system according to manufacturer instructions.
- Insulate exposed water and drain pipes that are located in areas where the temperature can dip below freezing, such as attics, basements, and garages.
- If you have a septic system, have the septic levels checked: another area where freezing and worse problems can occur.
- To help cut down on your utility costs and prevent scalds, set your water heater thermostat to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep an eye on your sump pump drainage area to make sure it’s not blocked by leaves or snow.
- If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time this winter, remember to set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to prevent your pipes from freezing.
For added protection this winter, contact Norhio Plumbing and ask about a water heater leak detection and shut-off system for your home. The system automatically senses even the smallest of water heater leaks and simultaneously sounds the alarm and shuts down your water heater until the leak is repaired. It’s a fast and simple installation with no added wiring needed.
Norhio Plumbing: we’re on hand day and night to help keep your plumbing systems in top working order for your family’s added comfort and protection.
