Is Your Home’s Plumbing Properly Winterized?

There is no end to the problems your home can cause if you don’t winterize your pipes. Thankfully, there are many technologies and methods you can use to ensure your pipes are effectively winterized. Take a look at some of them so you can make sure your home’s plumbing isn’t a disaster waiting to happen when the weather freezes over.

Isolate your septic system

Your septic system needs some attention during the winter to ward off potential disasters. Although it is a watertight container, usually made of polyethylene, fiberglass or concrete, and buried underground, frost can still penetrate. However, you could place an 8 to 12 inch layer of mulch over the tank, pipes, and soil treatment system. Whether it’s hay, leaves, straw, or other loose material that won’t be compacted, this will add extra insulation to your septic system. It’s important that you do this before the ground freezes so you don’t delay thawing when the weather warms up.

Turn off all outdoor faucets

If you have outdoor faucets, be sure to close them on their shut-off valves. First open the faucet and then the vent cap on the shut-off valve to drain any water in the line. This will prevent the pipe from rupturing if the water inside freezes. Place a bucket under the vent cap to catch any drips and leave the cap open. If the dripping doesn’t stop, you need to replace the shut-off valve.

Fix any leaks you find

If your lines are leaking, it’s important to get them fixed before winter hits in earnest. This is because they can lead to a much bigger problem later on if water freezes in the pipes in places where you thought there was no water in them. Note that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 or even more gallons of water per day. By fixing leaks in your plumbing, you’re doing a great job for the environment, and you can save some money on your monthly water bill as well.

Call a plumber if you have any problems

It’s important to have a professional plumber look at your plumbing system and address any existing issues. They’re equipped with the right tools and technology to ensure your plumbing doesn’t go bust in the winter. Keep in mind that three of the most common signs you should let know you need to call a plumber in your home are low water pressure, strange smells coming out of the drain, and strange noises coming from the pipes. If you notice any of these problems, it’s a good idea to call a plumber right away rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.

Get a wifi thermostat

Last but not least, take advantage of technology by installing a WiFi thermostat. With it you can monitor and control the temperature of your home with your smartphone. In the event of a temperature drop in your home, the system will notify you via SMS or email. Different systems may also have different ways of sending these alerts, but the most important thing is that you are notified of lower temperatures quickly enough to take action and avert a potential disaster.

Use this guide to ensure your home’s plumbing is properly winterized. This will give you an important peace of mind. You can also rest assured that your home will not be subject to water damage that can cost you a tidy sum to repair.

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