Preparing Indoor Plumbing for Winter

You might think that, because your pipes are indoors, you do not need to prepare them for winter weather. This mistaken assumption could cost you a lot of money. With these tips, you can minimize the likelihood of winter putting a chill on your access to hot water.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump dump to help you drain floodwater from your basement, you should take a moment to make sure that it is in good condition before winter hits. Look inside the lid. It should be empty, and water should easily flow out of the pump. Test the pump by running water through it. If there is a clog, the pipes could freeze and burst. Clean the sump pump and arrange for service as needed.

Inspect Drains

Sometimes you do not realize that your drains are becoming stuck until you really have a problem on your hands. Before a slow drain gets clogged, run water through each drain in your sinks and bathtubs to see how it works. Slow drains may need to be cleaned out. You can do this by taking out the p-trap and removing any hair or debris that is trapped there. Your Sacramento plumber can also clear your drains as part of regular service.

Check for Leaks

A leaky faucet can cost you money the longer you let it sit. Faucets may leak because of faulty pipes under the sink, or from water deposits in the aerator. A leaky toilet may make your toilet sound like it is constantly refilling, or the leak could spill water onto your bathroom floor. Some leaks are easy to repair, by cleaning or replacing your faucet aerator or your toilet’s valve. You may need the help of a plumber in Sacramento to fix more complicated leaks.

Protect the Pipes

A burst pipe is sure to put a damper on your fall and winter plans. Reduce your risk by making sure that your pipes are adequately protected from the elements. Exposed piping, such as a furnace’s condensate drain line, can freeze if the pipes are not clear. Run your heating system regularly once it gets cold, and do not shut it off while you are vacation. Ask your plumber if pipe insulation is a good choice for you.

Service Water Heater

You know you will start to use your hot water heater more often as it gets colder, so you should invest the time to maintain it. Your water heater tank should be drained and sediment cleared at least once a year. Make sure that the dip tube is not broken, and replace it if needed. If your hot water heater is more than five years old, you might use a special hot water blanket to insulate it, with pipe insulation for the pipes leading from it.
Winter is coming, and your plumbing needs to be ready for it. For more information about protecting your plumbing during the winter, contact the Sacramento plumbers of Ace Plumbing.