7 End-of-Summer Maintenance Jobs to Protect Your Plumbing
As much as many Canadians do not want to think about it, the reality is that summer is now over and the colder weather is coming….eventually. While most of the country is still enjoying a balmy temperatures of the last few days of summer solstice and early fall, it is time to take a proactive approach to your home maintenance by taking care of your plumbing fixtures before the cold winter weather arrives.
To ensure your home’s water systems work properly and withstand the frigid cold temperatures, here are some annual task you should do now:
1. Leaky Faucets
If your kitchen, laundry area, or bathroom faucets are dripping, now is a good time to fix or replace the unwanted water leaking accessories. Small continuous drops of water can grow into bigger issues, adding to your water bill costs and damaging your walls and surrounding areas if left unfixed.
2. Insulate Your Pipes
Wrapping your interior pipes with insulated tubing will help prevent freezing when the temperatures drop too low. The insulated wrap is cheap and easy to install but a worthwhile effort in the long run. Inspect your interior pipes and wrapping to see if there are any exposed areas, or if the tubing needs to be replaced in some areas.
3. Empty and Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
Exterior faucets should be turned off and drained long before winter arrives. If water is sitting in the external pipes, it will expand when it freezes and can cause the lines to rupture, turning into a big expense. If you are finished using your outside plumbing to water your lawn or flowerbeds, it is time to turn it off and drain the portal so the outer plumbing does not get damaged during the frigid season.
4. Winterize Your Sprinkler System
If you have a built-in sprinkler system, now is the time to get it ready for the next season. Call your local plumber to book a day for them to come clean out your system. The sooner you schedule and appointment, the better because as the weather changes, plumbing companies are going to start to get really busy with seasonal jobs.
5. Get Your Water Tank Inspected
Your water tank should be inspected annually to make sure it is still in good condition. Fall is a great time to call a plumbing service to inspect your tank because many homeowners generally use more water in the summer so their tank has had more use. Inspections can help catch some issues early so you can take proactive steps and avoid the mess of a major water leak in your home.
6. Inspect and Fix Leaky Pipes
Leaking pipes can cause big headaches during the colder months. Expansion from water turning to ice and unwanted drips can damage walls, ceilings, floors, and other valuables if ignored. Before winter comes, examine all your pipes, or call a professional to come do the job.
7. Water Main Lines
If you haven’t had your water main lines checked and cleaned recently, now is the right time to make an appointment with a plumbing professional to come out and clean your main water system so you don’t run into problems when the temperature drops below zero.
Winter is hard on homes, especially your water main lines and appliances. Your plumbing system can develop serious issues when the temperatures drop far below freezing if small problems are not addressed early. Now that summer is coming to an end, it is the perfect time to review your home’s water works before the cold weather arrives.