Home Plumbing: 6 Best Practices Your Pipes Will Appreciate
The confusion in home plumbing can easily be avoided if homeowners take precautions and perform proper maintenance. Follow these steps to prevent a costly plumbing repair and show your plumbing system a little love…
1. Check for leaks.
Even the smallest leak in your faucets and pipes can lead to flooding if not noticed or taken care of immediately… The resulting damage can require substantial home and plumbing repair which can be quite costly. It is important to check all exterior walls, unheated basements, garages and crawl spaces, especially those areas that lack insulation. Little to no insulation leaves pipes more vulnerable to the elements, making them more likely to crack and leak. Getting in contact with a residential plumber can also be useful as they can help you scope out trouble areas and can give you an overview of how to prepare and maintain your plumbing over the winter months.2. Drain and insulate.
Draining and insulating all outdoor faucets and pipes in your home plumbing system before winter sets in is a must… Any water that gets trapped in those pipes can freeze, expand, and then crack, break, or burst the pipes. Securing these exterior pipes can help you avoid dealing with property damages and unpleasant plumbing repair. Here are some ways to prepare your exterior pipes for the winter:- Drain and disconnect all garden hoses and use a hose bib or faucet cover to insulate your outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.
- For irrigation systems, shut off the water flow into the system and drain all water from the pipes.