As the crisp autumn air settles in and we start pulling out our sweaters, it is easy to forget about the hidden infrastructure of your home: your plumbing. October is the absolute best time to tackle preventative maintenance before freezing winter temperatures hit.
Taking a little time now can save you from a major plumbing headache (and an expensive emergency repair) down the road. Here are four quick steps every homeowner should take this month:
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor spigots during the first freeze is a recipe for disaster. The water trapped inside the hose can freeze, expand, and travel back into the pipes, causing them to crack or burst.
- Action Item: Disconnect all garden hoses, drain any remaining water, and coil them up for storage.
2. Shut Off Outside Water Valves
If your home has interior shut-off valves for exterior hose bibs, now is the time to close them. After turning off the valve inside, go outside and open the spigot to let any residual water drain out completely, then leave the valve open slightly so any expanding ice has room to escape.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Check your crawl spaces, garage, and unfinished basements for pipes that are exposed to cold drafts. Wrapping these pipes in foam insulation sleeves is an inexpensive, easy DIY project that provides huge protection against freezing temperatures.
4. Schedule a Water Heater Check-Up
As the weather gets colder, your water heater works overtime to provide those comforting hot showers. Sediment buildup over the summer can make your unit less efficient and shorten its lifespan. A quick flush in the fall keeps your system running strong all winter long.
Need a hand getting your home winter-ready? Give
Holy Water Plumbing a call today, and let our experts ensure your pipes are in top shape!
