Avoid These Common Plumbing Problems and Enjoy the Holidays

There is never a good time to have a plumbing problem, but the busy holiday season is a time that you really don’t want that kind of unwelcome distraction.

It is worth its weight in gold to be able to take a few minutes before the season gets in full swing to inspect some key components of your plumbing systems to make sure that they aren’t vulnerable.

Given the harsher weather of the winter, there are additional considerations to take.

Foam Insulation Makes a Difference

You understand the role that insulation plays in keeping cold air out and warm air in, which is why you take care to insulate your roof and walls. You’ve got to do the same thing to your pipes during the winter season.

Keeping your pipes warm can prevent freezing. It’s that simple. Wrap pipes that might be more vulnerable to the cold, like those installed in exterior walls or those in areas of your home that tend to get less heat (i.e. the basement or crawl spaces).

Warm up Your Water Heater

What’s the first thing you do when you’re cold? Reach for your jacket, perhaps? Help keep the source of your hot water (your water heater) warmer by applying a water heater jacket.

This is especially important if you have an older tank. Newer tanks tend to already be insulated, but every little bit helps. This is an energy efficient move. Also, making sure you’ve got warm water flowing is one way to prevent frozen pipes.

Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets

First off, if you haven’t removed your hoses from your outdoor faucets, you need to do that straight away. Drain the faucets of any remaining water. Pooling water, even though it is on the exterior of the home can freeze and then end up flooding the inside of your home.

That’s why, in addition to draining the faucets, you’ve got to activate the shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. If you want to be really thorough, you can buy a faucet insulation kit and wrap them tight for the season.

Warm Your Home Adequately

By all means, turn your thermostat down if you are away for an extended period of time over the holidays, but take care to make sure that it’s not lower than 55°F. Any lower than that and the risk of water freezing in the pipes rises. It’s not worth the risk.

Don’t Forget the Sump Pump

If you should experience flooding as the result of a frozen pipe that has burst, you need your sump pump to kick in and mitigate the damage from the flooding. You don’t want to realize that your pump isn’t functional when you really need it. That’s why it’s recommended that you get it inspected regularly by a professional.

To quickly test it yourself, clean the sump pit out of debris. Pour buckets of water into the pit. The sump pump should kick in automatically.

Test Your Faucets

After you’ve been away, and especially if you know that there was a cold snap while you were gone, turn all of your faucets on when you get back. If you discover one that isn’t flowing, the problem may be pipe damage sustained due to freezing.

For more help with your holiday plumbing preparations, call The Meridian Company today. Call (517) 339-6300 today for trustworthy service in East Lansing, MI , and the surrounding area.