Sure, you may not think about your plumbing during the busy holiday season, but for many homeowners, this is their downfall. Plumbing headaches have a habit of cropping up at the worst of times.
To prevent a plumbing disaster during the holidays, you should take some time and pay attention to your plumbing systems. If you do this, you’ll be able to prevent the following problems and enjoy a tranquil and happy holiday season:
Problem 1: Frozen Pipes
One of the worst plumbing disasters a homeowner can face during the holidays is a burst pipe. These issues stem from frozen pipes that are exposed to cold air. To prevent this from happening, we recommend insulating your pipes with foam insulation to protect them from the cold.
Problem 2: Basement Flooding
You rely heavily on your sump pump to pump water away from your home when there is excess water on the ground. In the winter, there is increased precipitation, which leads to a harder working sump pump. For many homeowners, they only rely on the sump pump in emergency situations, leading to the motor in the pump becoming seized from disuse.
Quickly test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water in the tank to see if it triggers the motor. If nothing happens, you’ll need to call for a professional inspection to confirm if the motor has seized.
Problem 3: Burst Pipes While You are Away
Many homeowners choose to take a vacation during the holidays. If you are leaving your home, we recommend keeping the thermostat set at 55 degrees or more. This will keep the home warm enough to prevent burst pipes and ensure you don’t come home to a mess after your vacation.
Problem 4: Spraying or Dripping Faucets
The former causes drips and leaks while the latter causes a spraying faucet. Neither situation is ideal. Inspect your faucet before the holidays to make sure the water is flowing freely.
Problem 5: Inefficient Water Heater
Your water heater needs more energy to retain heat in the winter. Help it out by investing in a water heater insulator. These simple sleeves slip over the unit and protect it from the cold. This will help the unit retain heat, prevent unexpected breakdowns and help save you money on your energy bill.
Problem 6: Leaking or Freezing Outdoor Faucet
Your outdoor faucets need a little love before the holidays too. Even if you have remembered to remove the hoses, did you also remember to close the shut-off valve? The shut-off valve will keep water from entering the pipes preventing leaks and burst pipes in the area.
For more help with your holiday plumbing preparations, call Valley Plumbing today. Call 801-487-4770 today for trustworthy service in Salt Lake City, UT, and the surrounding area.
