Although the holidays are a busy time, it’s important you don’t ignore your plumbing systems. We all know that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, but when they strike during the holidays, they become even more inconvenient.
Burst pipes, dripping faucets, broken sump pumps; all of these issues are easily preventable if you remember to give your plumbing system a little TLC this holiday season. Don’t forget to take care of the following issues in your home to prevent any potential plumbing headaches during the holidays:
Inspect the Sump Pump
With the increased precipitation during the winter, you’ll rely on your sump pump more than ever. Make sure it’s working to prevent flooded basements and water damage in your home. Follow these steps to see if your sump pump is working:
- Pour a bucket of water in the tank.
- If the motor kicks on right away, the sump pump is working.
- If nothing happens, the pump may be seized and should be looked at by a professional.
Insulate the Pipes
The tiniest crack or crevice in your wall can expose the pipes to enough cold air to freeze them. Frozen pipes are prone to bursting, which is an emergency that no homeowner wants to deal with, especially during the holidays. Insulate your pipes with foam insulation to protect them from cold air and keep them from freezing.
Set the Thermostat
If you’re going away for the holidays, make sure your thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees or higher. Any colder and you run the risk of freezing your pipes.
This is specifically vital if you are going away, because if a pipe bursts when you’re gone, there’s nothing you can do to prevent the damage from wreaking havoc on your home.
Are Your Faucets Working?
Dripping, leaking or spraying faucets are an annoying plumbing problem that is easily taken care of. Some of the most common causes of these issues include:
- Sediment building up in the spout.
- Worn out O-rings.
- Corroded washers.
Inspect your faucets before the holidays to make sure water flows freely from them, and there are no issues from the spout to the handle.
Close the Shut-Off Valve on the Outdoor Faucets
Your outdoor faucets can also freeze and burst if they are not properly taken care of. Make sure you close the shut-off valve in addition to removing your outdoor hoses to prevent leaking, freezing and bursting in that area.
Help Your Water Heater Retain Heat
When the temperatures drop, your water heater works harder to produce the same amount of hot water. Help it out by insulating the unit with a water heater sleeve. This insulation simply slides over the unit and helps it to retain heat better. Removing some of the strain on your water heater will also help you save money on your energy bills.
Call Hull Plumbing today in Oklahoma City, OK for all your holiday plumbing needs. For service you can always count on, call (405) 246-9763 today.
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