As the kids go back to school and days
get shorter, homeowners' thoughts begin to turn toward the start of
winter again. Michigan winters can be hard on your home —
particularly its plumbing and external utilities. So a little
preparation while the weather is still good can save you money and
frustration when the first snow hits.
How can you prep your house's vital
plumbing system for the season? Here are five things to do.
As a homeowner, you can see many of the
connections of the property's plumbing system with just a little
investigation. Start with all the interior appliances —
refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machines, etc. Pull them out when
possible, and visually inspect them. Look for evidence of water
leaks, seepage, loose connections, and worn hoses.
After you check the appliances, look at
all the sinks, showers, and bathtubs in the home to check for water
leakage, slow drains, rust, or buildup of minerals due to hard water.
Then, check visible external piping as well. If you fix small
problems before they become big ones, you save money and avoid
surprises.
Fall means loose leaves that can make a
real mess out of your yard as well as its drainage systems, gutters,
downspouts, and irrigation controls. Once leaves cover up natural
drainage areas and cause pooling or debris backups, winter snow and
ice will turn those beautiful fall leaves into a thick, frozen, dirty
mess.
Poor drainage outside could prevent a
sump pump from doing its job properly and add to water problems in
lower parts of the home. It may also damage the walls, foundation,
and roof of the house. You may end up with rotting in exterior
fixtures or irrigation controls. So, be sure to clear fallen leaves
as soon as the majority are down and while weather is still decent.
When you wrap pipes and cover outside
faucets you help prevent them from freezing when temperatures turn
sub-zero. But if you wrap your external piping, it isn't a 'one and
done' job. You should inspect the pipes annually to determine if
prior years' insulation is still sufficient or if anything needs some
new wrapping or taping. Failure to inspect pipe insulation could
result in unexpected frozen pipes and even breakage during harsh
freezes.
Along with freezing temperatures and
short days, winter also brings a variety of holidays involving
friends and lots of food. If you love to host gatherings during the
fall and winter, you need drains that are unclogged and ready for
use.
In addition to guests who need
reliable, sanitary plumbing conditions, holiday cooking often brings
out high fat and thick foods. Clear out any slow drains before you
start to cook and party to prevent nasty surprises while your home is
full.
Your water heater is vital during the
winter cold. It keeps your showers warm and comfortable during the
coldest time of the year.
So take the time to inspect it
thoroughly. How old is the unit? Is it reaching the end of its useful
life? Would it better to replace it now or wait until it breaks
unexpectedly? Does it have sufficient insulated wrapping? Are all the
wires, hoses, and connections in good working order? Do you need to
turn up the temperature to provide warmth for holiday guests?
Once you answer these questions, you
can evaluate if you need a new water heater or if you simply should
keep your current one insulated with a blanket throughout the winter.
If you have a sump pump in the
basement, make sure to evaluate it twice per year — usually after
the spring rains and before the winter snows. For the best results,
use a professional plumbing service to inspect and maintain the unit
properly.
Do you need help assessing and
preparing your plumbing before winter comes? Call the pros
at Michigan
Plumbing today to learn how we can help. And then you'll be
able to stay comfortable and enjoy the coming seasons.
