5 Home Winterization Tips
When winter arrives, it can do so quickly and with much fury. As a result, many homes are unprepared for the harsh realities of cold weather.
When this happens, this can result in damage to the home in a variety of ways and cause inconvenience as well as expense.
However, there are many ways in which homes can be winterized to avoid these and many other problems.
By following some simple tips and having a plumber conduct an inspection of the home’s plumbing system, everything can be in great condition when frigid temperatures come calling.
Inspect the Septic System
For those homes with a septic tank, fall is the perfect time to have it pumped out. In addition to this, a plumber can inspect the tank for any cracks, leaks, or other damage that could impact its performance.
If this is not done, the system could back up into the home and cause a large, disgusting mess that will cost thousands of dollars to clean up.
Inspect Water Valves and Pipes
Most people give little or no thought to their water valves until an emergency happens and they need to shut off the water. However, if the valves are rusted or broken due to corrosion, they may not work properly.
This can result in much unnecessary water damage to a home, and will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to clean up. By having a plumber inspect the valves and repair or replace any that are in poor condition, this problem can be averted.
While having this done, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect the pipes to ensure none of them are cracked or leaking. If they are, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
Inspect Sump Pump and Guttering
For basements that have a sump pump, it’s very important to make sure the sump pump is working correctly prior to cold weather. Sump pumps, especially ones that are not working properly, can freeze when exposed to cold temperatures and fail to work.
If a plumber inspects the pump and determines it can’t be repaired, it should be replaced. Along with this, guttering should be inspected to make sure it is not full of debris and that it is properly attached to the home.
If rainwater overflows from the guttering, it can accumulate near the foundation and leak into the basement, causing inconvenience as well as water damage.
When winter arrives get the best advice on winterizing your home, call NixCo Plumbing at (513) 398-5907 today!