The change of seasons can affect your plumbing. There are certain plumbing system maintenance steps you should take in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Let’s take a look at them:
FALL PLUMBING
During fall, temperatures begin to drop, giving you a subtle reminder that winter is just around the corner. This is the best time to prepare your pipes for the cold winter days ahead, instead of holding off and learning the hard way on how frozen pipes can ruin your day!
Outdoor spigots and water hoses used during spring and summer should be prepared for hibernation. Follow this outdoor fall plumbing maintenance checklist to promptly prepare for the cold days ahead:
- Disconnect your water hoses from the outdoor spigots. If left connected, the hose can freeze, expand, and cause connected indoor pipes to burst… This can lead to many expensive fixes.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas of the home, such as the garage. Use heat tape around pipes that are most prone to freezing.
- Check outdoor faucets for drips and any prominent leaks. Call a plumber to make any necessary repairs before winter arrives.
- Your water heater has to work harder to keep your water hot during colder months, so ensure you book an appointment for maintenance.
- Gutters must remain free of debris so that water can drain easily as it freezes and thaws throughout the fall and winter.
- Sump pumps that are exposed to extremely cold temperatures can freeze and stop working. The sump pump and pit should be cleaned and inspected before cold weather comes.
WINTER PLUMBING
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners during winter. When the water inside your pipes freezes, it expands, which causes pipes to burst under the pressure. Your main concern when it comes to winter plumbing maintenance is preventing your pipes from freezing. Here is your checklist:
- Allow water to run from each valve in your home at regular intervals in winter to keep pipes from freezing.
- Insulate both warm and cold water pipes, especially those located in areas vulnerable to freezing: crawl spaces and basement.
If your indoor pipes are prone to freezing, or you have extremely cold weather, you can take precautionary steps to reduce the risk of freezing:
- Heat your entire home — not just certain rooms. Allowing warm air to circulate through your home keeps your pipes warm.
- Allow the water to trickle from each faucet in your home when temperatures are extremely cold.
SPRING PLUMBING
The weather warms in spring, making homeowners start spring cleaning, inside and outside the home. It’s also a great time for spring plumbing maintenance to avoid plumbing troubles later on.
- Drains are the key to effective indoor spring plumbing maintenance. You need to check all of your drains and make sure they are working properly. If you find a problem, contact a local plumber to fix it as soon as possible.
- As temperatures warm in spring, birds build nests in various places, increasing the risk of floods when the snow thaws. This is the ideal time to perform some important outdoor plumbing maintenance
SUMMER PLUMBING
Summer is the ideal time to have your septic system inspected. The ground and temperatures are warm, making the plumber’s work easier. A blockage in your main sewer line or a sewer back up is a serious problem.
- Have your septic system inspected regularly.
- Get your septic system pumped when needed — the right time for pumping can be determined during an inspection.
- Schedule regular sewer main snaking if tree roots cause regular problems regularly.
- Consider having trees with problem roots removed to avoid future plumbing problems.
- Clean embedded sprinkler system heads and makes sure they work properly, so you don’t damage them while mowing the lawn.
CALL SABTECH PLUMBING & DRAINAGE IF YOUR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE HAS UNCOVERED SOMETHING BIG!
To schedule, an appointment with a plumber in Surrey, BC, contact Sabtech Plumbing & Drainage. Today.
