With the winter holidays quickly approaching, the last thing you want to deal with is an expensive plumbing leak. That’s why it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent these leaks before they wreak havoc on your plumbing and water bill. To help you get started, the pros at OnTime Service have prepared a list of helpful tips to avoid a costly winter leak!
1. Inspect Your Home for Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks account for 10,000 gallons of water lost per year. If you don’t want to contribute to this gigantic number, make sure you frequently inspect your home for water leaks. Be sure to check areas like your toilet, showerhead and faucets because leaks are common in these areas. In addition, keep an eye out for water stains on your wall and ceiling or bubbling paint or wallpaper as these signs can indicate a hidden leak behind your walls. Don’t let leaks sneak up on you this winter and keep an eye out for them! If you want some help detecting leaks, don’t hesitate to call your local plumber.
2. Cover Your Outdoor Faucets
If you fail to insulate your outdoor faucets, you might end up dealing with frozen pipes. To prevent this from happening, make sure you insulate your outdoor faucets. You can use foam covers that are available at your nearest home improvement store. It’s easy to insulate faucets—simply shut off the water at the supply valve, remove any attachments like hoses from the faucet, drain the water as much as you can and install the cover.
Apply the same tactic with any uninsulated pipes under your sinks and in your crawl space. You will be grateful you did this when winter rolls around.
3. Drain Your Water Heater
To properly maintain your water heater, make sure you flush it out once a year. If you haven’t done so, now is the time! Draining your water heater can flush away any sediment buildup, which can reduce the amount of water your tank can hold. In addition, lack of maintenance and yearly draining can lead to rust buildup which can end up in your shower or even your food!
4. Clean Your Sump Pump
If you have a basement, chances are you have sump pump. A sump pump can prevent flooding when heavy rain occurs which is why it’s so important that you keep it in good condition. Make sure you inspect your sump pump for any issues and clean it properly. Lack of maintenance can cause it to malfunction or freeze up during the winter!
If you want more tips on how you can avoid a costly winter leaks, get in touch with the pros at OnTime Service! Call us today at 205-942-1405 or schedule a service with us on our website. Our team of professionals are highly qualified in dealing with all sorts of plumbing problems and would be more than happy to help you out!
