5 Tips For Preventing Plumbing Problems In The Winter
The winter season brings more than just snow and frigid temperatures. It can also bring a host of plumbing problems, like frozen pipes and clogged garbage disposals. However, if you prepare properly for these issues, they can be avoided. Here are five helpful tips for preventing winter plumbing problems:
Keep Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes is a common plumbing problem in the winter and can create a big mess in your home. One way to prevent these pipes from freezing is to wrap foam around them. This foam is inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. It's also important to disconnect your garden house from your house before the weather gets too cold. If you leave this hose connected to your home, it can freeze your pipes and result in expensive repair bills.
Take Good Care of Your Garbage Disposal
In the wintertime, you might be cooking a lot more often for holiday parties and have to use your garbage disposal more often. However, if you're not careful, you could clog up your garbage disposal and damage the pipes. Never pour grease down the disposal or use hot water as the disposal is grinding food.
It's a good idea to run cold water before you use the garbage disposal to flush out food particles.
Drain Your Water Heater
A water heater gets used more frequently in the wintertime, so it is important to make sure the appliance is in good condition. Before the weather turns, remember to drain your water heater. If you don't, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater and make it work less efficiently.
Check for Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can cause a huge mess, so it's a good idea to periodically check for puddles in your kitchen and bathroom. If you detect a leak, it is essential for you to call a plumber as soon as possible.
Have a Plumber Inspect Your Plumbing System
Even if your plumbing system seems to be working just fine, it is wise to have a plumber inspect it thoroughly before winter comes. He or she may find an issue that you may have missed. If an issue is detected, the plumber can fix it before it leads to an expensive repair.
Plumbing problems in the winter are a pain, so it is best to avoid them in the first place by following these tips.