The sky has been a mix of both blue and black the last few weeks, which can only mean that fall is in full swing.
These fall storms are the perfect reminder that the winter is just around the corner and that you need to be thinking about getting your home ready for those cold winter temperatures.
Once the winter weather hits, your plumbing system is going to take a lot of abuse. In fact, your plumbing system takes more abuse than any other system of your home during the winter months.
This is due to a variety of reasons but mostly because your plumbing system is almost entirely installed in areas that are vulnerable to the cold temperatures and, water does not mix with freezing temperatures.
Once the cold weather of the winter arrives, any issues that your plumbing system has currently will only be exacerbated and could evolve to the point of serious damage.
In fact, it is not unusual for major plumbing disasters and breakdowns to occur during the winter months.
Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to make sure that your plumbing system is in top condition all year around:
- Have your septic system inspected and serviced by a professional on an annual basis. This is a very important preventative measure to take because your septic system is entirely buried in the ground outside of your home. That means it is vulnerable to the temperatures of the ground. Also, your tank needs to be pumped at least once every three years.
- Protect your water heater from damage by having it professionally inspected and protected by a qualified plumber. Add an insulated blanket around the tank to buffer from the cold air and ensure that the heating element doesn’t malfunction. If you haven’t had your water heater inspected by a professional plumber – this is the time to do it.
- Make sure that your outdoor plumbing is prepared for the winter by disconnecting the outdoor water hoses and drip systems. Change the settings on your sprinkler system so it is ready for the winter months and won’t be spraying your lawn during the wet fall and winter months.
Getting your home ready for the winter is an important part of being proactive and protecting from damage. This is especially important for your plumbing system as the damage could be from water and long-term.