As we enjoy the changing colors and temperatures of September, it’s easy to forget that winter is on its way to the Twin Cities. That outdoor water supply that you used to keep your lawns lush and your children entertained can wreak havoc on your home if an early season freeze catches up to us. Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has Twin Cities customers covered with these essential plumbing tips that prep your home for the winter and ensure you’re safe and dry during those colder months. Read on.
Fall plumbing checklist
Nobody wants to encounter a plumbing emergency, especially in the winter when it’s miserably cold and you just want to plunge into a hot bath. Take advantage of a September weekend and knock off some timely chores. You’ll be glad you did when the freezing temperatures take over and you’re not worrying about a burst pipe!
Disconnect and drain hoses: Leaving hoses attached can cause water to freeze in the hose or the spigot itself, leading to burst pipes in frigid weather. It’s time to remove all garden hoses from their spigots. Drain any remaining water and store them in a garage or shed.
Turn off your outdoor water supply: You can usually find the shut-off valve for your exterior water lines in your home’s basement or utility room. Turn it off this fall and leave it off. Make sure you also open the outdoor spigot afterwards to allow any remaining water to drain out, relieving pressure in the line.
Insulate exposed pipes: Your home’s plumbing fixtures appreciate an extra layer of warmth, and insulation can mean the difference between a burst pipe and an intact one if we’re hit with Old Man Winter’s deep freeze. Take advantage of a rainy fall day to check your basement, crawl spaces, and exterior walls for any exposed pipes. Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or old towels to wrap them.
Inspect your water heater: Give your water heater a quick check this fall to make sure it’s running well and not on the verge of a breakdown. Look for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Flush a few gallons of water from the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can improve efficiency and extend its lifespan. Hint: The trained professionals at Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can give your water heater a professional tune-up, inspecting the entire unit, testing the thermostat, checking the anode rod and flushing out sediment that can damage your tank over time. We recommend these annual professional tune-ups to keep your hot water running strong.
Clean gutters and downspouts: While this might seem like a roofing task, clogged gutters have a plumbing component in them. If water is allowed to back up and freeze, this can potentially damage your home’s foundation and exterior plumbing. Clear leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage.
Check for leaks: If you can catch leaks while they’re still small, they’re a lot easier to fix, and they guard against watery surprises in the winter. Go on a “leak hunt” throughout your home. Check under sinks, around toilets, and at the base of your water heater for any drips. A small leak can become a big problem when temperatures drop.
Address slow drains: A clogged drain is more than just a nuisance. If standing water is allowed to freeze, it can cause a bigger blockage or a pipe burst in colder weather. Now is the time to address those clogs. Use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear minor clogs. Or call on Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a service call.
Winterize sprinkler systems: If you have an irrigation system, it’s crucial to have it professionally “winterized.” This process involves blowing out all the water from the lines with an air compressor to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Call on a professional for this job.
Schedule a plumbing maintenance visit: Did you know that Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers a plumbing maintenance service to keep your water flowing at home? Our professional plan takes care of many of the tasks listed above, including leak detection, and also checks and tests your sump pump, water pressure and shut-off valves.
Know your main water shut-off valve location: In case of a plumbing emergency (like a burst pipe), knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve is critical. Show everyone in your household where it is and how to turn it off. This knowledge can save you from major water damage. Then, call Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to take a look. Our team offers emergency plumbing services, responding quickly to minimize any damage and diagnose the issue.
As we venture into the cooler months, Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is the plumber of choice for Twin Cities homeowners. At Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we don’t just fix pipes, we restore peace of mind. Call us now at (320) 559-3407 or schedule an appointment online to address any plumbing concerns you might have.