Is your plumbing ready for the cooler fall and winter months? As a homeowner, you want to make sure your plumbing remains in tip top shape for years to come. Save money and time with these top must-do tasks to prepare your plumbing for the fall season!
1. Insulate Pipes
If your pipes are located in non-heated areas, such as a basement or a garage, then you want to make sure they’re insulated to prevent freezing. There are several benefits to insulating your plumbing pipes this season, including:
- Preventing heat loss from the pipes
- Saving energy and decreasing your heating bill
- Keeping pipes from freezing
- Controlling condensation
- Reducing the expansion and contraction of pipes due to temperature changes
- Preventing burns when hot water pipes are exposed
2. Check Your Outdoor Faucets
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second could waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. You should fix a leaky faucet regardless of its location. However, leaky outdoor faucets in the colder months can be especially problematic. When temperatures get at or below freezing, outdoor leaky faucets can lead to serious plumbing maintenance issues, costly water damage, and even high utility costs if ignored.
3. Inspect Your Water Heater
The colder the temperatures get, the more your water heater has to work to provide you with the same amount of hot water. If you want to keep your water heater running as efficiently as possible, make sure to have it flushed so you can remove any sediment buildup and blockages that have accumulated overtime. Other maintenance tips to getting your water heater ready for fall include:
- Flushing out your tank
- Perform an inspection on your pressure relief valve
- Turn up the temperature slightly
- Inspect your anode rod
4. Clear Your Gutters
Falling leaves can cause serious issues for your gutters and drainpipes, and you know fall brings with it lots of falling leaves! Gutters are designed to prevent overflow of water. Without a fully functioning gutter or downspout, rainwater has nowhere to go. Not only can this cause your gutters to get clogged, but it can also add excessive weight to the system, resulting in cracks, separation of joints, and a number of other issues.
Need Help Getting Your Plumbing System Ready For Fall? Roman Electric Is Here To Help in Milwaukee, WI and Surrounding Areas!
The pros at Roman Electric are here for all your plumbing needs in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas. Whether you need your water heater inspected, a leak detected, a plumbing maintenance, or something else, our team is standing by and ready to assist you. We offer plumbing services you can always count on. Give us a call today at 414-369-3798 or contact us online here. We are here to help!
