Winterizing your pipes because “Old Man Winter” will be here shortly with his bags packed for a three month stay
Neighbor to neighbor…don’t disregard these preparation action tasks. We have strategically placed our “Emergency” number to the right for the ones who don’t take the hints. The cost of repair can be more than a day’s pay. Take note:
Now’s the best time
- As the fall season nears, it’s the best time to prepare your home’s plumbing system for the colder winter months. So, while you are out raking leaves and setting up for Halloween, it’s a great time between now and the Thanksgiving Holidays to protect pipes that may be exposed to colder temperatures.
Take time to inspect
- Any pipe is at risk of freezing and bursting when the temperature drops in the winter months. Inspect your pipes under the house, in the garage and even in attic spaces to ensure they look good and have insulation.
Manage the hoses
- Remember to remove all exterior hoses for the winter so water doesn’t climb through and burst the seals or tap. If you don’t bring all your hoses in for the winter, at least store one in the garage. If you need to use it during a warm period in January or February, it will not need to thaw out. Just a thought.
Don’t just walk by your water heater
- It’s a good time to also have a look at your water heater. Check for rust around the base, especially if you have hard water. If your water heater is in the attic, be sure to double check the lines as a broken water heater above you can cause serious damage to the rooms below.
- Also, if you are diligent at servicing your water heater, schedule a time to do so prior to cold weather.
“Old Man Winter” will shake hands with your outside faucets
- Check the faucets outdoors to make sure they are not leaking or dripping. When water remains in the line, “Old Man Winter” somehow gets to that water causing it to freeze in the pipes. Frozen water expands causing a rupture in the pipe. When the ice thaws, the water pressure sprays out the rupture onto, well everything. And those “everything” have a cost to repair. Ah! Just before the holiday gift spending season!
- “Yes, Johnny, I didn’t have the money for your train set (or iPad) because you remember that broken pipe last week? It had to be paid for”.
- You know the deal; these things happen if not prepared for.
- As added precaution, you can turn the faucet completely off by shutting off the interior valves for outdoor faucets.
Inside faucets are under pressure also.
- While you are at it, you can check your indoor faucets for leaks and drips.
- Sometimes a simple connection washer can fix a leak or drip.
- Side note: consider replacing your washer’s water supply hoses every few years.
- Check shower heads for leaks and build up.
- A quick way to remove build up around your shower head is to carefully remove the head, then soak it in vinegar. An old tooth brush can then loosen the debris and leave it looking brand new and running efficiently. Side note: save the used tooth brushes, they can be used to clean almost anything. I have a jar with them in my garage.
“What’s Sump”? As your teenager rolls their eyes. 
- In order to keep the sump pump in good working order, it should be cleaned at least twice each year, making fall the perfect time to do it. Cleaning the sump pump and surrounding pit will prevent the risk of melting snow or heavy rains flooding your basement.
