Get your home’s plumbing ready for winter with our checklist
It’s not quite time for flannel shirts and holiday parties, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to get your plumbing ready for the colder months ahead. In fact, now that another September is in the books and October is underway, it’s the ideal time to do some winter home plumbing preparation.
Below is a list of the most important home plumbing jobs to take care of before the first frost. Most items require a mere simple inspection, while others require just a little bit of easy leg work.
When it comes to checking your home’s plumbing before winter, it’s much better to be earlier than too late. Take a look at the list below, and give us a call if you have questions or need an extra hand getting your home ready for colder weather. The last thing you want is a frozen, busted pipe to fix when you least expect it.
Start outside – This is the time to put the garden hoses inside. Fall flowers and plants require less water than those that bloom and grow in summer and your grass is likely not growing as fast.
Clean gutters – Check both the gutters and downspouts and get rid of any leaves, twigs, or other debris. If you haven’t already, install leaf guards to keep your gutters clear.
Invest in insulated covers – You can find these at any home improvement center. These inexpensive covers prevent cold air from passing through pipes that open from inside to the outdoors, so you won’t lose heat.
Inspect your pipes – Take a look at all the pipes in your home and fix any that are leaking. When looking for leaks, don’t just rely on the sight of water from leaking faucets or valves. Check under sinks for any moisture, puddles, water marks and notice if you detect any moldy smells.
Inspect your water heater – Before the cold weather sets in, make sure to check your water heater and get it serviced. We recommend having the water heater drained at this time every year.
Wrap pipes in unheated areas – You can purchase pipe insulation or heat tape at your local home improvement store, where you can also find kits that help keep the pipes from freezing.
Service your furnace – Since your furnace is about to come out of retirement, you’ll want to make sure it’s working properly and ready to take on the job of heating the house. This is a great time to get the furnace serviced by a professional. It’s also good to have filters on hand to change on a regular basis to keep the air clean.
Check the sump pump – Your sump pump is located in the sump basin or pit of your basement where water collects and drains. To check it, take off the lid and make sure there are no clogs and that it’s clean.
It’s easy to check these tasks off the list. Once you do, you can relax knowing you and your family will be cozy in your warm home, with plumbing that will carry you through the winter.
