As a homeowner plumbing problems are bad news and even bigger problems happen as the temperature drops here in Victoria BC. Spending time to go through the following checklist could prevent some unexpected problems this winter.
- Fix all plumbing leaks. Add freezing temperatures to any water leaks and you have a recipe for disaster. To prevent future problems do a visual check of all pipes indoors as well as outside. Stopping any leaks now can save your plumbing as well as money.
- Insulate pipes. Check the attic, crawl space, garage, anywhere pipes might be subject to freezing temperatures. If you can see them wrap them in plumbing insulation foam, insulating pipes is very effective when it comes to preventing frozen pipes.
- Outdoor taps. It’s very important to protect taps outdoors that are even more exposed to cooler temperatures. Remember to disconnect garden hoses in the event water left in the hose freezes which could affect the tap. Drain any water from the garden hose itself before storing it for the winter.
- Sprinkler systems. Winterize the underground sprinkler system by turning off the water then flushing out any collected water. Lastly turning on each individual valve in the system will rid the system of water that could freeze.
- Locate your water main. Do you know where your main water shutoff is located? This one piece of information could save you tens of thousands of dollars in water damage restoration and flood cleanup. In the event you experience a burst water pipe you’ll be able to quickly turn off the water and minimize damage. You might choose to ignore the tips listed above or follow through with all of them. If you only do one thing on the list make sure you know where the water shutoff is located keeping access free of clutter.
If you have any questions regarding these tips or if we can be of service, call us today.