As temperatures in a home change from warm to cold, it can make plumbing work overtime. Winter is one of the most inconvenient times to have plumbing problems, so it is essential to have pipes inspected or at least look them over yourself to make sure they all look healthy, and there aren’t any signs of leaks or damage.
- Consider getting a water softener to keep minerals from eating away at your pipes. If you have hard water, your plumbing and appliances will not last as long.
- Insulate your plumbing so that your pipes don’t freeze. You never know when one of our mild winters can turn into a night of frozen pipes! Keeping them well insulated can prevent them from bursting as well.
- If there is a chance that your pipes may freeze, open all the spaces where you have exposed pipes and heat those areas. If you have pipes in cabinets, then open them up so that there is more heat getting to the pipes. Frozen pipes are more likely to burst or leak!
- Make sure your water pressure is not too high. If your water pressure is high, it can start a leak or make one worse.
- Make sure your shut-off valves work well, and you use the main shut-off valve if you are going on vacation. After shutting off your water, drain your pipes so that you don’t have water sitting in them while you’re away.
- Check your faucets and under sinks regularly. Small leaks can go for a long time if they are behind a faucet or in a cabinet.
- Have your water heater inspected regularly. If there are signs of corrosion, rust and minerals may cause pipes going in and out of your water heater to leak. A water softener and new water heater can help you avoid costly replacements for your plumbing system and appliances.
- Check the outside and inside of your home regularly for water pooling in certain areas. You may have leaks that are inconsistent, so look for rings around drains and what looks like water damage from a leak.