Extreme weather impacts humans and inanimate objects including household items, building components, and pipes, etc. The frosty winters can cause intense and sometimes irreparable amount of issues. From frozen pipes to heating woes, all such problems result in emotional and financial inconvenience. So how can we avoid these? Well, by preparing our homes with an effective and reliable plumbing checklist! In this blog, we will unveil a useful list that we’ve built to help you enjoy winters and avoid relevant plumbing disasters. Let’s jump in!
Inspect for leakages
Dedicate some time to inspecting all your vulnerable pipes and outlets. If left unattended, leaks can impact the subject item as well as any connected outlets and faucets. A pre-winter inspection can keep you ahead of the weather so you can step up your plumbing preparation. In the modern era, many solutions allow you to seal any possible water leaks without a plumber’s help. However, in case of serious leakage, opting for your local plumber is advised. Any missing items on your plumbing checklist can be covered via professional input.
Consider insulation
Your plumbing checklist should have heating tape to counter any minor issues. It does not need much expertise and can offer temporary relief. When it comes to the personal comfort and safety of your pipes, installing insulations is much more convenient in terms of time and effort. Pipe insulations are a great way to ensure that unused water doesn’t retain any unpleasant or harmful properties. Commonly available insulation mediums are accessible in department and hardware stores.
Winterize the outdoors
Outdoor installations should always be present on your plumbing checklist, no matter the weather. In winter, all outdoor systems such as hoses, pipes, and sprinklers should be shut off. Insulating them won’t do much good considering their vulnerability. Disconnection makes more sense because it will prepare the outdoor mediums against the harshness of the weather so their activity can be resumed when winter ends.
Monitor water pressure and valves
As the weather progresses, watch out for the water pressure and quality. The idea of insulation is to keep the speed consistent but reduction may be a sign of frozen pipes. This should be on your daily plumbing checklist, because if left unattended it may turn more inconvenient. Moreover, avoid pouring grease and thick liquids down the drains as it can cause clogging. Your bathroom, kitchen, and other spaces with water outlets should be regularly checked.
Warm up the indoors
Minor weather maintenance can be achieved by simply regulating the thermostat. Any indoor outlets, pipes, and drains can function perfectly in warmth and moisture. The stiff cold breeze and chill are the perfect reason to utilize your internal heating system. This reminder doesn’t need to be on your plumbing checklist as it should come instinctively.
Ensure regular inspection
Months representing the full brunt of winter should have a separate plumbing checklist as compared to those of fall or spring. Hence, syncing the inspection with weather changes is a considerable strategy. Regardless of the phase, make sure water is not wasted while monitoring to avoid wasting resources.
Clean out your gutter
Just like the inside of your house, the outside also deserves care. Apart from cosying up your home for winter, you should remember to clean gutters or hire a professional to help. As frozen waste can collect and cause hygiene issues.
A professional plumber or company can perfectly winterize your house. So even if you can not perform the relevant duties, you can always hire a reliable expert who does things by the book.