6 Ways to Avoid Expensive Winter Leaks
Winter is the season of snow, cheer, loved ones, and unfortunately, the occasional unplanned plumbing problem. Leaks are expensive and inconvenient during the holiday season which is why we created this list to help you avoid them! When it comes to your home’s plumbing, prevention is key. Take these 6 tips into consideration, and if you find yourself with a plumbing problem, contact a professional plumber for help.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
At all costs avoid frozen pipes! Keep an eye on water pressure during the winter months, this is the first sign you have a frozen pipe. If you notice restricted water flow or a significant change in water pressure contact a professional plumber immediately! If you have a vacation or getaway planned, make sure to turn off your water from the main shut off valve before you leave. This also can prevent pipes from freezing and coming home to some big fixes.
Fix Any Potential Leaks Now
The best way to avoid leaks is by preventing them or catching them early on! Don’t wait until winter to find leaks.Check all interior and exterior faucets for drips or puddles. If you find a leaky faucet contact Shamrock immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. Better yet, schedule a checkup with a professional!
Drain & Clean Your Water Heater
Living in Utah or anywhere with hard water means sediment is building in your water heater tank, this needs to be cleaned out! The sediment buildup can cause rust to form in your water heater, which then flows into your homes drinking, cooking, and bathing water. Is your water heater already rusted, old, or has stopped working? Contact a plumber to have a new one installed to keep your warm all winter.
Remove & Store Your Outdoor Hose
You don’t need to water your plants or grass during most winters. Once you start experiencing low digits and colder weather, disconnect your garden hoses and drain any pipes of water to prevent any possible damage. By leaving a garden hose connected to your home, you’re risking ice and pressure build-up in the water lines inside of your home. If buildup occurs a water line could potentially leak or break causing expensive and serious damage to your home.
Close Any Interior Shutoff Valves Leading to Exterior Faucets
Locate the shut-off valves in your home to drain all the water from the pipes that lead to the hose bibs outside. These are commonly found near your water heater, meter, basements, crawlspaces, or under sinks. Depending on your home you may or may not be able to access these valves, for assistance call a professional plumber.
Clean the Sump Pump Pit
To avoid any floods inside your home keep an eye on the area around the basements sump pump discharge line. A sump pump is meant to keep the area under your house dry. When the space fills with water, the pump turns on. It then moves the water out of the pit through pipes to a spot where the water can drain away from your foundation. If the drainage area is blocked by snow or flowing into a puddle, freezing could occur, as well as water backing up into the house.
Need Help Preparing Your Home For Winter?
Shamrock Plumbing is here to help! If you need assistance with any of the above fixes, contact us today We want to make sure your house is prepared for the colder weather. These preventative steps for leaks can help your home be safe all winter. However, sometimes leaks can’t be prevented. For assistance with current leaking pipes, the above preventative steps or other plumbing emergencies, contact Shamrock Plumbing at (801) 505-9505 or visit us online.