Plumbing problems seem to occur at some of the most inconvenient times, and most of these times are generally going to be during seasons or events that put stress on your plumbing. Seasonal shifts, whether related to festivities, winter temperatures, or travel all have the power to push your plumbing to the brink of what it is able to handle. While we have had a fairly mild winter so far, Florida weather being what it is, that could change at any day without any warning. To help you keep your home protected, we have put together a short list of advice and tips we have put together to help you make sure your home’s plumbing is prepared for the coming winter.
Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
When winter temperatures start to plummet, water can easily freeze inside your pipes, causing them to crack or burst. If this happens and you or anyone in your home are unaware of it happening, the results can be disastrous, leading to massive home floods and untold damages to your furnishings and your home’s structure overall. To help reduce the possibility of your pipes freezing over and bursting, you can wrap your un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam. You can actually buy these foam tubes with a slit on the side at your local hardware store, so they aren’t very difficult to get your hands on. You can cut these tubes to the exact length you need, pull it open, and push it over and around your pipe. You can then use duct tape to secure it if the foam does not have self adhesive edges.
Fix Leaks Now
When it comes to leaks in your home, there is no better time to get them taken care of than the present by your Jacksonville plumber. Before the weather finally turns cold, make sure to check all the faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms for drips and puddles that might indicate you have a leak on your hands. If you find that you have any leaky faucets, make sure to get in touch with your local plumbing professional to get you pipes back in top shape so they have a better chance of making it through the winter unscathed.
Drain Your Water Heater
If you live in a location with hard water, sediment can build up on the inside of your tank, causing rust to develop on the inside of your tank. If rust builds up inside your tank, it can then start to filter through into your drinking, cooking, and bathing water. If you already have a hot water heater that is older or rusted, it might be worth considering getting a new one before winter fully sets in.
Pack Up Your Outdoor Hose To Help Avoid Frozen Pipes
While the weather has been fairly mild lately, if it does eventually turn cold, one of the best plumbing practices you can do for your home is to wrap up and put away the garden hoses. Leaving a hose connected to the outside of your home during colder weather can cause water left inside the hose the freeze and expand, freezing your faucets and the connecting pipes at the same time.
Close & Drain Shut-Off Valves Leading Outdoors
If you have an interior shut of valves leading to outdoor faucets, close them and drain the water from the outside lines. Any water that remains in these lines when the temperature drops can freeze and cause major damage to your home’s plumbing system.