Plumbing Winterization Tips
The cold weather can wreak havoc your Firestone plumbing system. Plumbing problems seem to occur when your home isn’t prepared for the winter. As such, we recommend you to take extra precautions to ensure that your pipes will work smoothly all winter long.
Your winter should be full of fun, laughter, and warm family get-togethers. Get your Firestone plumbing ready before the cold weather sets to prevent plumbing problems from interfering with the holidays.
Inspect for leaks
Fall is the best time to have your plumbing system checked and inspected by a Firestone plumber. When the temperature starts to plummet, even the smallest leaks can turn into major problems.
During the inspection, they’ll check the sinks, toilets, faucets and your pipes. In case a leak is found, it will be addressed on the spot; hence, preventing it from turning into a bigger, more complicated problem.
Insulate pipes
Exposed pipes, specifically those in the garage, basement, attic and crawl spaces, present the biggest threat to your home in winter. Water can freeze in them and bust your pipes, causing thousands and thousands of dollars of property damage. On top of that, you’ll be faced with an expensive repair.
Make sure your pipes are well insulated. Protect exposed pipes from cold temperatures by wrapping them with electrical heating tape. Another option is to slip foam-rubber insulation over your pipes.
Shut off outdoor plumbing
With all the things you need to tackle during the fall, a lot of homeowners tend to forget about their outdoor plumbing.
Your outdoor pipes and faucets are at risk of freezing and bursting in winter. When this happens, your entire house may suffer. Remove and drain your water hose and store them inside the house. This will prevent your pipes from bursting unnecessarily.
Flush your water heater
Hot water is a necessity during the cold winter months. But with regular use, sediments may accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank and eventually lead to rust and leaks. Extend the life of your Firestone water heater and improve its efficiency by having your water heater drained on an annual basis.
If you have no idea how to go about this task, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help.