Don’t let these plumbing issues ruin your holiday season

Picture a holiday scene. You’re sitting around a table adorned with overflowing plates and delicious holiday treats. Your family is smiling, your loved ones are laughing; this cozy scene is typical for many families during the holidays.

Now imagine a pipe bursting somewhere in your home. Within seconds, water rushes into your home, causing immense damage and requiring an emergency repair.

These two scenes do not belong together, but for many homeowners who choose to ignore their home plumbing systems, this happens and their holidays are ruined. Keep an eye out for the following problems to make sure your holidays are not ruined by preventable plumbing problems:

Prevent Burst Pipes with Foam Insulation

Take a look around your home at any pipes that are exposed to cold air. These pipes run the greatest risk of freezing and bursting in the winter. Insulate them with foam insulation to protect them from the cold and prevent burst pipes from ruining your holidays.

Test to See if Your Sump Pump has Seized

If your sump pump only gets used in case of emergencies, the unit may seize with disuse. The best way to test the sump pump is by pouring a bucket of water into the tank to see if the motor kicks on. If nothing happens, the unit is probably seized and should be inspected by a professional before winter comes and precipitation increases.

Close the Shut-Off Valve on Your Outdoor Faucets

Removing your outdoor hoses isn’t enough when it comes to the faucets outside. You must also close the shut-off valve to prevent dripping, leaking, freezing and bursting.

Does Your Faucet Spray or Drip?

Before the holidays arrive, inspect your faucets to make sure they are working properly. Some of the most common issues that impact faucets include:

• Sediment building up in the spout, resulting in spraying or reduced water flow.

• Worn out O-rings causing leaks or dripping faucets.

• Corroded washers also causing leaks and dripping faucets.

Save Money with a Water Heater Insulator

Did you know that your water heater actually works harder during the winter to retain heat and maintain the desired temperature you’re looking for? Protecting the unit from the cold with an insulation sleeve will help reduce the strain on the unit and save you money on your energy bill.

Going Away? Prevent Burst Pipes by Setting Your Thermostat

If you are going away for the holidays, make sure your thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees or higher to prevent burst pipes. Even if you aren’t going away, it’s still a good idea to keep your home warm in winter to help prevent freezing pipes.

For more help with your holiday plumbing preparations, call Duane Blanton Plumbing Sewer & Drainage today. For reliable and trustworthy Round Lake, IL, plumbing services, call (815) 781-2567.