During the summer months, most families enjoy doing several different activities outdoors. While camping and watersports are a few favorites, it is also nice to stay at home and play in the sprinklers and eat dinner outside.
However, now is the time of year when the weather is starting to give us warning that the cold temperatures are just around the corner and storing the plumbing and toys used during the summer must be on the to-do list.
While it might seem like the plumbing outdoors is not connected to your indoor plumbing system – this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, if a problem arises with your outdoor plumbing system, it will directly affect your indoor plumbing system.
Some of the ways that you can protect your outdoor plumbing system include:
- Keep your gutters cleaned out and clear of any leaves or debris. Your gutters directly affect the basement of your home by protecting it from overflowing water and mold/mildew growth. It is important to keep your gutters flowing free of any clogs
- Disconnect the water hoses from outside of your home and make sure they are stored for the cold weather season. Your water hoses have residual water in them at all times and they are easily vulnerable to that water freezing and creating clogs and build-up of pressure in the system.
- Make sure that none of your downspouts have blockages or clogs in them and that the water is able to run through them unobstructed.
- Have your septic or sewer system professionally inspected. It is recommended that, if you have a septic system, it is pumped at least one time every three years. But, your septic and sewer systems should be inspected annually.
Before the weather gets too cold and the winter season is upon us, make sure to get your plumbing system ready for the change in season.
Having a plumbing issue during anytime of the year can be stressful and disruptive. However, having a plumbing issue during the winter months when the weather is cold and you really need hot water – it can leave your home uninhabitable.
Get your sewer or septic inspection scheduled right away and keep your family protected from a plumbing failure this winter.