As the seasons change the varying weather takes a real toll on your home’s plumbing if you don’t properly prepare. From freezing temperatures in the winter months to sweltering heat in the summer, your pipes, drains, water lines, and more need to be ready. Preventing costly plumbing repairs and water damage requires a bit of seasonal maintenance.
Plumbing for frigid winter weather
Winter’s freezing temperatures wreak havoc on pipes and water lines. If water freezes and expands inside your pipes, the pressure leads pipes to crack and burst. Prevent pipes from freezing and prepare them for winter with these tips:
Insulate pipes– Wrapping pipes located in insulated areas like the garage or crawlspace prevents freezing. Use specific pipe wrapping insulation or fiberglass insulation wrapped in plastic. Pay special attention to wrapping pipes near outer walls or in attics.
Seal off drafts– Any cracks or openings that allow cold air inside to be sealed off. Cold drafts freeze pipes. Use caulk or insulation to seal off problem areas. Don’t forget to check where pipes enter through exterior walls in particular.
Disconnect garden hoses– Detach all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and turn off and drain any exterior water lines before the first freeze. The water left sitting in hoses or pipes freezes and causes cracking damage. Install insulated hose bib covers as well for extra preventative care.
Maintain heat– Keep thermostats set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. If you lower temperatures at night, it begins to freeze pipes. Aim to keep heat at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit inside the home. Consider letting certain faucets slowly drip cold water to prevent freezing too.
Prepare for any pipe problems– Make sure you know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is located so you turn off the water immediately if any pipes burst or crack.
Adapt plumbing fixtures for summer heat
Extreme heat during the summer months brings its own set of potential plumbing problems. As temperatures climb, pipes and plumber Northern Beaches fixtures expand. This expansion puts added pressure on plumbing systems which lead to leaks, drips, and even pipe bursts.
Check for leaks– Inspect all plumbing fixtures, supply lines, pipes, and joints for any hairline cracks or tiny leaks that may have emerged after winter’s contraction and spring’s expansion. Catch leaks early and repair them before the pressure of summer heat and expansion causes bigger problems.
Clean gutters & downspouts– Clear all gutters, downspouts, and drains of gathered debris that accumulated over fall and winter. Clogged rain gutters overflow and leak water into your home causing water spots, leaks, and water damage. Properly functioning drainage systems are critical for keeping moisture away from your home’s foundation and protecting pipes and plumbing systems.
Add pipe insulation– Insulate hot water pipes in unconditioned basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Doing so will help modulate swings in temperature which put added stress on your plumbing. Adding just a little pipe insulation goes a long way.
Consider pressure regulators– Review your main water line’s pressure during peak usage times. If it’s over 80 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator to maintain a steady 55 – 60 psi flow. Consistent water pressure prevents added strain on plumbing systems over time. Lower water pressure also helps control water volume if any small leaks or drips do emerge.
