Plumbing Tips
Fall is underway in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, and before you know it, winter will have arrived! Fall is a temperamental season at best, and the elements can range from summer-like temperatures during the day to chilly nights that leave morning frost.
Regardless of how deceiving fall can sometimes be in terms of warmer temperatures, the weather will inevitably grow colder, and sometimes the cold temperatures can come suddenly and early, leaving homeowners unprepared for the plumbing emergencies that these temperatures can bring. A few simple tips, taken care of during the fall months, can ensure that your home is winter-ready and help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Outdoors:
It is crucial to protect your outdoor faucets during the winter months. A broken spigot can easily occur when a hose has not been disconnected from its faucet. The water will freeze and then expand, which in turn causes the connecting pipes to freeze and break.
Ensure that your outdoor faucets are not leaking. A dripping faucet is a sign of a leak somewhere, and once the weather gets around to freezing temperatures, there is a risk of pipes freezing. When pipes are frozen, water pressure continues to build, which will eventually lead to cracking. Even the smallest crack can cause chaos, resulting in serious and costly damage.
Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and free of leaves. Debris that is built up leads to poor drainage, which can be problematic as water is freezing and thawing over the winter.
Close any interior shut-off valves that lead to outdoor faucets.
Indoors:
The more your pipes are exposed to the elements, the greater the risk of them freezing. Your best way to prevent this is to insulate any exposed pipes in open areas such as garages or crawl spaces.
Your water heater is important during those cold winter months – and it is working hard to ensure your comfort! The best way to ensure its efficiency as well as a long lifespan is to flush it, and remove sediment buildup. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact the experts at Pittsburgh’s Best Plumbing, Heating and Air!
If you have a sump pump in your home, be sure to clean and inspect it. If a sump pump is exposed to extreme cold, it can freeze and cease to operate.
If you have any issues or concerns about your plumbing, contact Pittsburgh’s Best Plumbing, Heating and Air and ensure that your plumbing is in good shape for the upcoming winter months. Our professional technicians are happy to inspect or repair any plumbing problems you may have. With a team of experts and top-notch professional service, Pittsburgh’s Best Plumbing, Heating and Air is Always Your Best Choice!