Winter can be tough on your home’s plumbing system. A small drip can turn into a burst pipe, and a slow drain can become a full clog when the water freezes. So how do you prevent major winter plumbing problems?
Below, this emergency plumbing contractor in Wilmette, Illinois is going to provide an easy winter plumbing checklist you can follow to keep your plumbing system in good condition.
Water expands when it freezes. And if that happens inside a pipe, the pressure can get so strong that the pipe cracks or even bursts.
Your water heater also must work harder in the winter. If there is already sediment in your water heater, the extra workload can make it inefficient and even shorten its life.
Even the ground outside can shift when it freezes and that can put pressure on underground pipes. This can cause cracks in the pipes that you will not notice until you see signs of a leak or backups in your drains.
When these problems pile up, you could be dealing with backed-up drains or flooded floors. That is when you should contact your local emergency plumbing contractor in Wilmette, Illinois.
1. Check the pipes in the basement, attic, garage or crawl space. If these pipes feel cold when you touch them, wrap them in foam insulation. This will keep the water inside the pipes from freezing.
2. Check your garden hoses. Even if you don’t plan to use them again until spring, disconnect and drain them now. Water left inside a hose can freeze and push back into the faucet. Once the hose is removed, cover the outdoor faucet with an insulated cap. If your home has a shut-off valve for the outside water, turn that off as well.
3. Check the sump pump in your basement. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and see if the pump turns on and drains properly. If it does not work or if you have not tested the backup battery in a while, take care of it now.
4. Your water heater also needs attention. Over time, mineral buildup in the tank can make the heater less efficient. If you hear popping sounds or see rusty water, it might be time to flush or replace the tank.
5. As you are checking around the house, look for cracks or gaps near pipes and windows. Even a small draft can be enough to freeze nearby pipes. Use caulk or spray foam to seal these openings and block the cold air out.
6. Finally, make sure you know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. The faster you turn off the water in an emergency, the less damage you will be dealing with.
Sometimes your plumbing will give hints that something is starting to go wrong. For example, two common signs are slow-moving drains and low water pressure. You might also notice frost or condensation on the outside of a pipe.
Any one of these signs could mean that you are headed for a burst pipe or a flooded basement. As soon as you notice them, contact an emergency plumbing contractor in Wilmette, Illinois.
If water is leaking fast or spreading across the floor, shut off the main valve immediately. This will stop more water from flowing into the broken pipe and prevent further damage.
Once the water is turned off, get rid of as much of the standing water as you can. Use towels, buckets or a wet vacuum if you have one. The faster you soak up the water, the less time it has to seep into the floors or walls and cause long-term damage.
After you have done what you can to stop the damage, it’s time to call an emergency plumbing contractor in Wilmette, Illinois. A trained plumber can repair or replace the damaged pipe and make sure there are no other hidden issues.
Whenever you’re facing a plumbing emergency, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. As the top-rated 24/7 emergency plumbing contractor in Wilmette, Illinois, our team handles emergencies day or night. Whether the problem is a frozen pipe, a sudden leak, a backed-up drain or anything in between, our team is ready to respond fast. Contact us anytime at 847-864-5225 for a free estimate.