All sorts of plumbing issues can be avoided quite easily if you follow a few precautions and carry out proper maintenance. Of course, regular checkups from a reliable plumber are always recommended, but if you follow the below mentioned practices, your pipes will definitely appreciate it and keep running smoothly:
1. Check for any leaks
Even the tiniest leak in your pipes and faucets can cause unmanageable flooding if they aren’t looked after immediately. The damage that resultantly occurs to your home and plumbing can be quite costly to repair. As such, it is essential to inspect all the exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, unheated basements, and specifically those areas which lack insulation.
A lack of insulation leaves the pipes more vulnerable to all the elements, due to which they can be more likely to get cracked and start leaking. Getting in touch with a plumbing contractor will be useful here as they will help you in scoping out the trouble areas. The plumber will also provide you an overview regarding how to maintain and prepare your plumbing during the winter.
2. Drain and insulate
Insulating and draining every outdoor pipe and faucet in your plumbing system before the months of winter is certainly recommended. This is because if water is trapped in these areas, it will freeze and expand, resultantly bursting, cracking, or breaking the pipes. If you secure the exterior pipes, it will assist you in avoiding any property damage as well as plumbing repair.
3. Waterproof the trouble areas
Another practice is to watch out for any areas which contain exposed plumbing. Vent fans, windows, and doorways should all be inspected to ensure the seals are tight. In case you find a loose seal, fix it up with caulking in order to avert your plumbing from freezing. Furthermore, make sure that you repair any cracked windows since they can cause freezing temperatures on your plumbing and are likely to result in costly repairs.
4. Insulate any exposed pipes
Rather than sealing off all the airflow in your house, which will potentially cause mold growth, you need to make sure that the pipes are insulated properly so they can withstand the cold air during the winter. Insulating the exposed pipes is certainly an inexpensive and easy task. It is as easy as installing towels or foam tubing around the pipes. It will assist the water heater in retaining heat and resultantly, you will be able to lower your energy bills considerably.
Any vulnerable pipes found near the electrical sources need to be insulated using electrical heating tape. This tape should be wrapped around every pipe. It is a fantastic tool for offering just enough heat which keeps the pipes from freezing.
So long as you follow the above-mentioned practices, you can rest assured knowing that you will have a minimum amount of plumbing problems to deal with throughout the year.