Fall will be here soon, which means that winter is also just around the corner. Here’s what you should know to keep your plumbing working, no matter what happens with the weather. Ensure that you don’t experience plumbing emergencies this winter when you get these items checked off your list now.
Maintain That Sump Pump
Since your sump pump removes water from your basement and any other low-lying areas of your house, you’ll want to test it before those winter storms come. Our plumbers would be happy to perform your sump pump maintenance or you can do it yourself. Just fill up the sump pump bucket and check to see if the pump turns on. It should eliminate that water quickly! If it doesn’t, you need more extensive sump pump repair. We’ll take a look and ensure that it’s all working well before winter comes!
Take a Look Down Your Sewer Line
It’s optimal to visually check your sewer line each fall. Your Chisholm plumber can send a video camera on a cable down your sewer line to find out if you need to clean it or replace a section. If you do, we’ll arrange for sewer cleaning or whatever other service you need.
Set Your Water Heaters Up for Success
If you haven’t maintained your hot water heater in the last year, it may need service before it’s ready for winter. We can perform a full water heater service or just flush the heater out. Check, too, to make sure your hot water heater temperature is set to 120, the ideal temp for most houses and people. Finally, remember that most water heaters won’t last much more than 12-15 years. If yours is older, consider replacing it before winter arrives.
Make Sure Your Home is Ready Before You Leave for Vacation
If you’re like many people, you might travel over the holidays or fall break. Ensure that your thermostat is set somewhere higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit or that you have installed a smart thermostat. That way, you can track the temperature in your house and turn on the furnace from your smartphone or tablet while you’re traveling. You may also want to insulate those pipes, especially any located outside or on exterior walls.
Prep Your Home Outside, Too
Ensure that you’ve unscrewed all of your hoses from any exterior faucets and drained those faucets, too. These pipes are the most likely to freeze and this can prevent major flooding later one. Ensure that your faucets aren’t leaking, either, so the pipes will stay empty of water once you have drained them. If you rely on a sprinkler system, get it blown out so the pipes under the ground don’t freeze.
At Chisholm Heating & Air, Plumbing & Electric, we would love to help you get your home ready for winter. Call us sometime this fall and we’ll be there soon to complete your maintenance fast so you won’t have to feel anxious anymore. Make an appointment soon to get in before it gets cold!
