(Newswire.net — October 9, 2013) Vancouver, BC —
The cold season is upon us, and we’re not talking about sniffles and sore throats. The winter season places particular stresses on plumbing, and preventive measures – some simple enough for the average homeowner to do – are necessary. For example, outside water hoses should be drained and stored so that water freezing inside them doesn’t damage faucets or the connecting pipes inside your home, which could result in a flooded basement. Even a tiny crack in a pipe could release up to a thousand liters of water each day, and that’s not something you want to discover first-hand.
If you find that keeping up with home maintenance takes too much of your time, hiring a professional is the way to go. That way you can sleep easy at night, knowing your home is properly maintained. Professional plumbing service also translates into lower operating costs, higher property value and a safe environment for the family.
Avoid Heating Issues
Take water heaters for example. A hot water tank will work harder in cold weather, and when combined with normally-occurring sediment buildup will have reduced efficiency (meaning higher costs). This is a good time of year to have a plumbing professional inspect and service your home’s plumbing systems, which includes draining sediment from the water heater and testing its pressure relief valve, as well as cleaning the sump pump and sump pit (a dirty job you probably don’t want to deal with). It is also a good idea to have your home’s water pressure tested, which only takes a few minutes for a plumber to do. Too much water pressure puts undue stress on your entire plumbing system and can cause flooding anywhere in the house.
Prepare For Winter
Other cold weather precautions include clearing leaves from gutters and downspouts and insulating pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and cracking. Again, these are things you may want to leave to professionals, as the consequences of falling from a roof or ladder just aren’t worth the risk.
If you have let your home’s plumbing system go too long without a proper check up and maintenance, it’s time to call in a plumbing professional. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your plumbing is in good shape is well worth the expense.