With fall fast approaching, now’s the time to prepare your Brooklyn plumbing system for the colder months. Here are some tips to fend off freezing pipes, which can lead to breaking pipes and indoor flooding. By winterizing your plumbing system, you are taking an important step in maintaining your home’s value.
- Outdoor Fixtures – If you have any fountains, ponds or other landscape water features, be sure to unplug and drain. Also, check around the front and back yards for leaks.
- Indoor Pipes – Any exposed pipe in the home that is in an unheated area should be insulated with thermostatically controlled heat tape. These are typically pipes that are in your crawl spaces or attic.
- Gutters – Be sure to clear your gutters of fall leaves for proper drainage. This is also a good time to check your sump pump and make sure it is in working order.
- Garden Hose – Be sure to disconnect your water hose in preparation for the colder months. Garden hoses that are still connected can cause frozen, bursting pipes.
- Water Heater – Give your water heater a look for leaks and consider getting a water heater flush if there is a lot of debris built up. Your water heater will be working overtime in the winter months.
If you plan to take a long trip away from home for the holidays, be sure that you turn off your main water valve.
Have more questions about how to prepare your home plumbing for winter? Don’t hesitate to contact Aladdin Plumbing for more information.