Plumbing maintenance is crucial year-round but is probably the most important during the cold winter season. With winter right around the corner, it is a good idea to prepare your home plumbing system for the freezing temperatures incoming. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta has you covered with this short article on some tips to winterize your residential plumbing system. Our nearby plumbers are also ready to deliver professional plumbing service and plumbing repair. Call today to speak with a courteous representative and schedule your flexible appointment or request to have a plumber dispatched as soon as possible.
Tips for Outdoor Plumbing
Unsurprisingly, outdoor plumbing pipes and fixtures are most susceptible to freezing temperatures. Worse, you probably will not use these outdoor fixtures this winter. This means standing water in the pipes are more likely to freeze. This is why we suggest you drain the water lines by turning off the water supply to outdoor faucets and opening the taps until they run dry. Next, disconnect hoses and drain them of water as well. Leaving them connected can lead to cracking and breaking. Finally, protect outdoor plumbing pipes and fixtures by insulating them from the harsh winter cold. Outdoor faucet socks, foam pipe insulation sleeves, and seals for crawl spaces are some things to consider.
We do not get a lot of snow here in Atlanta, but it is always good to expect the unexpected. If we do get snow, then chances are it is going to melt rapidly. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are prepared. Clear these of leaves, twigs, and other debris that might block flow and cause ice dams. If you have a sump pump installed, then test it to make sure it works.
Tips for Indoor Plumbing
Your indoor pipes are, for the most part, sheltered from the severe cold, but they are still vulnerable. You should insulate these pipes, especially those in the attic, garage, and basement. Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from getting to the pipes. In fact, circulate warm air by opening doors of cabinets that house pipes and drains.
If you plan to go on vacation or a trip this winter, don't just turn off the thermostat. This can allow indoor temperatures to drop below freezing and lead to frozen pipes. Instead, drop the thermostat to around 50 or 55 degrees. You also want to keep some faucets dripping. This is because standing water is much more likely to freeze than moving water. It might even be best to turn the water off at the main shutoff. This way, if frozen pipes do crack, then you'll have far less water to deal with.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
You want to repair cracks and damaged pipes before the winter cold arrives. So, schedule your plumbing inspection sometime in the fall. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta is happy to schedule a flexible appointment or arrange an emergency dispatch if you suspect a serious problem. Our friendly representatives and dependable plumbers are ready to take your call.