6 Winter Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money
The plumbing system undergoes a lot of stress during the winter. It’s imperative that you do everything possible to protect your plumbing system from developing costly defects during this time of the year. This article discusses some of the winter plumbing tips that will save you money.
Turn the Exterior Water Valves Off
The water pipes outside your home have the highest chance of freezing since they are exposed to the elements. It is therefore advisable for you to wrap them in insulation and also turn the water off. Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that you leave the outdoor faucets to drip slowly so that the likelihood that the pipes will freeze is reduced.
Locate the Main Shutoff Valve
Another of the important winter plumbing tips is that you need to know where the main shutoff valve of your plumbing system is located. This information will help you to take swift action to turn the water supply off in case a plumbing emergency, such as a pipe burst, occurs. Otherwise, searching for the main valve as water is gushing all over your house can result in serious water damage that will be expensive to fix. Fox Valley plumbers also recommend that you open and close this valve at least once each year to keep it working properly.
Be Careful When Conserving Energy During the Winter
Many homeowners tend to lower the thermostat setting on the HVAC system as they leave home in order to conserve energy. However, you need to be mindful that you can end up being penny wise but pound foolish while trying to save a few dollars on your energy bill without thinking about the broader implications of that decision. In other words, turning the temperature too low can create an opportunity for a plumbing pipe to freeze and trigger water damage that will cost you thousands of dollars to fix. An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, recommends that you play it safe and avoid lowering the temperature to less than 45°F so that you conserve energy but protect water pipes from freezing while you are away.
Check the Outdoor Drainage
Your lawn will receive huge amounts of snow and rain during the winter, so make sure the drainage works. Start by checking the gutters and downspouts for any debris that may prevent snow and water from draining away. Clear the yard too so that nothing prevents runoff water from leaving your property.
Take Extra Care of the Kitchen Plumbing
Winter also coincides with the holidays, so the kitchen plumbing is under excessive stress during this time. The kitchen drains, and garbage disposal needs proper care to continue functioning.
For example, Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you wait for all oils and fats to solidify in your cooking pots instead of pouring them down the drain. Rather, scrape them off the containers and into the garbage bin for disposal. This will save the drains from clogging up due to the effects of those fats.
Similarly, use the garbage disposal carefully. Always start the disposal before you pour food debris into it, then run water through the disposal so that the drains are cleared. This will prevent the disposal from clogging up.
Make the Right Hiring Decisions
Your plumbing system will function based on how well the system was taken care of prior. This begins with hiring the most qualified and experienced professionals, such as those from Tureks Plumbing Services, to service and repair the system. Such professionals will be licensed and insured, and you will receive a written statement detailing each repair that needs to be done each time something breaks.
The winter plumbing tips shared in the discussion may not cover all the basics that you need to look into. However, they will go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of problems in your plumbing system. Work closely with your Fox Valley plumber so that you can receive all the information and technical assistance.