Plumbing problems at any time of the year can be inconvenient and annoying. In the wintertime, however, some plumbing issues may be disastrous. When the temperatures outside are at their lowest, the last thing you will want to deal with is a burst pipe, a malfunctioning water heater, or a flood in your home.
Always feel free to consult Campbell Care Plumbing, Heating & Air if your home experiences a plumbing disaster. In the meantime, you can take some steps to prevent some plumbing issues from arising.
How to Prevent 3 Common Plumbing Accidents
You cannot always prevent some plumbing problems from manifesting, but you can pay attention to the condition of your plumbing equipment. If you notice anything unusual, do not wait to address it. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way towards avoiding major plumbing disasters in your home.
Here are the top 3 winter plumbing disasters and ways to prevent them:
1. Frozen Pipes Outdoors: Frozen outdoor pipes can wreak havoc with your home. Make sure that you turn off the shut-off valves. Do this task before the temperatures begin to plummet. It will help to prevent
your outdoor pipes from freezing and cracking throughout the winter months.
2. Frozen Indoor Pipes: If your indoor pipes freeze, the results could be inconvenient, unsafe, and costly. To ensure that this does not occur, keep the temperature in your home over 13 degrees. When you leave for vacation, you will not save money by turning off the heat if the result is a frozen indoor pipe. By the time you return home, the frozen pipe may burst and cause a flood. The resultant damage will likely be far more expensive to fix than leaving the heat on while you are gone. Also, if the temperatures get very cold, turn the faucets on to allow a faint stream of water to run. This is another way to prevent frozen pipes.
3. Broken Water Heater: Pay close attention to the noises your water heater makes. If you notice unusual sounds that it has not made previously, it may be time to drain this appliance. Sediment build-up can
cause a water heater to malfunction, and ultimately, it could leak water. If you do not have experience performing this task, hiring a professional to do it is highly advisable.
Keep Your Plumbing in Good Shape this Winter