How to protect your plumbing system during seasonal weather changes

How to Protect Your Plumbing System During Seasonal Weather Changes?

Key Points:

  • To maintain the plumbing system as safe and reliable, seasonal plumbing maintenance is quite imperative.
  • Seasons are not alike; there are several steps to follow in order to have a better plumbing system.
  • Not every issue can be resolved easily. That’s why you need an experienced plumbing company to rely on.

Introduction

The majority of people ignore seasonal plumbing maintenance, and then they complain about the plumbing in their property. Little do they know how important it is to save your home in the long run, particularly when you happen to be in a place where you might be forced to face unexpected emergencies. The plumbing system is always adjusted to the dynamics of the temperature, moisture collection, and water consumption. You should also understand when you need the plumber.

Every season presents new problems, be it in dealing with frozen pipes during winter or the drainage problems in spring. Now, let’s discuss how to protect your plumbing system in different seasons. For this purpose, read this blog till the end.

Why is Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Important?

A plumbing system consists of:

  • Drains
  • Pipes
  • Fixtures 
  • Water heaters
  • Sewer Lines

Always remember that all of these respond differently to various weather changes. Without routine maintenance, minor issues can cause big damage.

You may have to face these seasonal plumbing issues:

  • Burst or frozen pipes.
  • Inefficiencies of water heaters.
  • Slow drains or sewer backups.
  • Mold or hidden leaks.
  • High water and repair bills.

Seasonal Plumbing Protection Guide

Winter 

The biggest threat to residential plumbing systems is cooler temperatures.  Then the frozen water in the pipes expands, and pressure is built to crack and burst the pipes.

How to protect it:

  • Wrap the exposed pipes in different areas of your building.
  • Use heating tape for pipes, especially near the cool areas.
  • Open the cabinet doors to circulate warm air.
  • Drip the faucets slightly during freezing nights.
  • Seal the air leaks near the plumbing lines.

Spring 

Once you get to face the high temperature, melting snow, and heavy rainfall, your drainage system and foundation face stress.

Important checklist:

  • You have to clean all the gutters and downspouts carefully.
  • Second, check the sump pumps and ensure there’s nothing wrong.
  • Look for the blockages in the sewer lines and drains.

Also, this is the best time to book a professional company to check the plumbing of the property so that you can catch any damage earlier.

Summer

Summer causes increased water consumption. This is because of outdoor activities.

What’s Important for Maintenance:

  • Look for the leaks in faucets and hose bibs outside.
  • Irrigation systems are to be inspected for cracks and incorrectly aligned pipes.
  • Check the pressure of water to prevent stress on the pipes.
  • Service the water heater to preserve its efficiency.

Fall

This is a very important season to keep your plumbing system safe. You should start preparing on time to get rid of winter emergencies.

Preparation steps:

  • Disconnect and drain the hoses outdoors.
  • Shut off the valves of the water supply outside.
  • Flush the water heater to get rid of the buildup of sediments.
  • Insulate the exposed pipes before temperatures drop.

Seasonal Checklist for Plumbing Maintenance 

Annual To Do’s

  • Check the pipes properly for leakage or corrosion.
  • Check the sump pumps and the water heater pressure valve.
  • Clean drainage and gutter systems in depth.
  • See the exposed plumbing lines and then insulate them.
  • Go for a professional plumbing inspection.

Monthly Plumbing Points

  • Run the water in unused fixtures.
  • Check water pressure.
  • See the damp spots on the nearby walls and roofs.
  • Listen for the unusual noises.

When to Contact a Professional?

Although some of the issues can be treated on your own, a majority of those can’t be treated without calling a professional company. You can trust Tarzia Plumbing & Heating for this purpose.

Check for the signs:

  1. Slow or completely clogged drains.
  2. Signs of frozen or damaged pipes.
  3. Bad performance or leaks in the water heater.
  4. Backups and odors in sewage lines.
  5. Hidden leaks in the floors or walls.

Conclusion

Seasonal plumbing maintenance is not something that should be ignored, especially when it comes to having a well-maintained property all year round.  Plumbing systems keep adapting with the temperature changes, so there are certain individual steps to be followed. Although there are some things that can be cured easily, some things have to be taken care of with the help of a professional plumbing company.  

Instead of looking around, you should hire our plumbing & heating experts for this purpose. We have years of experience in ensuring your heating and plumbing system works in the best way. Whether you want to replace the old fixtures or just want to clean the clogged drainage system, we do it all. To know more, you can contact us now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the most common seasonal plumbing issues?

These issues include:

  • Freezing pipes.
  • Sewer backups.
  • Increased water pressure.
  • Pipe leaks.

Does cold weather affect plumbing?

After water is frozen, expansion occurs, and then the pipes face the pressure in the walls. Next, it burst or cracked, leading to water damage and repairs.

What are the safety precautions in plumbing?

These are the precautions:

  • Confined space entry.
  • Working at height.
  • Lifting.
  • Shift work.
  • Selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment.