How to Protect Your Plumbing as the Seasons Change

Changing seasons bring fluctuating temperatures and humidity. These changes can increase the stress on your home’s systems, particularly the plumbing. If damaged, they can lead to leaks, which can cause other issues and require costly repairs. To protect your home, professional plumbers encourage you to follow regular maintenance as the seasons change.

Protect Your Plumbing During the Winter Months

When the temperatures get colder, winterizing your plumbing is essential for protecting your home. Here are a few ways to effectively do so while still allowing you to access water for various daily tasks.

• Lower the temperature on your water heater to improve its seasonal efficiency.
• On the exterior, disconnect hoses and splitters from bibs and faucets.
• Turn off exterior faucets and spigots. Drain the water lines completely to avoid any freezing and bursting within the pipes.
• Wrap exposed pipes with insulating materials to prevent freezing and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system.
• If the temperature drops to freezing, then leave cabinet doors open and allow for a slight drip to avoid freezing pipes.
• Never let the indoor temperature dip below 55°F to avoid freezing pipes.
• Clear gutters and drains, thus avoiding the potential of debris blocking the flow of water. Lingering water can freeze, resulting in damage to gutters.

Additionally, if a pipe does burst, you need to know how to stop the flow of water. Your San Marcos plumber can show you where your shutoff valves are and how to use them. If there is an emergency, quickly and safely cutting off the flow of water could help you avoid damage to other areas of your home. Once the water is cut off, then you need to dry out the area where the water flooded to minimize the chance of mildew or mold growth.

Regular Seasonal Maintenance

With the change of each season, you should do routine maintenance on your home’s systems, including your plumbing. Take the time to clean your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. If there are filters, take them off and give them a deep cleaning. Examine these aspects of your systems for signs of damage or wear.

If you notice a reduction in your water pressure or flow, then look for signs of accumulated sediment. You may be able to rid your fixture of sediment by gently cleaning your faucet screen. If the issue continues, replacing your fixtures and updating them might be the best option. Your professional plumber can assist you in determining the best choice to increase the efficiency of your system overall.

Also, regularly clean out gutters and drains to avoid water pooling in areas around your home and putting your foundation at risk of leaks. If you have outdoor plumbing, then make it a point to check hoses and faucets to ensure that there is no damage. At a minimum, these checks should happen at the beginning of the spring season and before winterizing. When you take the time to perform this routine maintenance, then you will guarantee a long life for your home’s plumbing.

Our San Marcos plumbers assist with a variety of plumbing services, including routine seasonal maintenance. We also offer 24-hour emergency services to address leaks or burst pipes. Contact us today to discuss your plumbing needs.

Proactive Plumbing has provided dependable plumbing services, installations, and repairs for more than 15 years. We service Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and other areas of San Diego County.