Protect your plumbing from the bitter winter ahead
Service your furnace
The first winter cold snap is not the time to find out there is a problem with your furnace. In early fall, well before you need it, you should have your furnace serviced.
This can be as simple as changing the filter and checking out things such as the flame sensor and blower fan to ensure they are working properly, or it can be as complicated as calling in an HVAC tech to do a full inspection.
Protect your pipes
Frozen pipes are a bane of winter. When a pipe freezes, it can burst, causing a flood in your home. You should check your pipes, especially those in crawlspaces and exterior walls, to make sure they are insulated properly. If you are unsure whether there is enough insulation, you can wrap them in foam or towels to keep them warm.
Shut down your sprinklers
If you have a sprinkler system, you need to shut it down before winter sets in and the temperatures get below freezing. Not only do you have to shut off the water to the sprinkler system, but you need to make sure all the water is out of the system as well.
Seal cracks and gaps
Older homes tend to shift, leaving cracks and gaps around windows and doors. These cracks and gaps let in cold air, which reduces the efficiency of your heating system. You should fill in these cracks and gaps with caulk or weather stripping. Also check around your fireplace and chimney, around your roof vent and around cable or phone outlets.
Seal outdoor cracks
If you have cracks in your foundation, driveway or garage floor, you should seal them before winter. Any water that gets into those cracks and freezes can cause them to get bigger and do more damage. By sealing them up you will prevent this from happening.
When it comes to winterizing, a little work and a little bit of money goes a long way toward protecting your home from damage that could lead to a lot more work and a lot more money down the road.
Winter is nearly here! To get the best advice on winterizing your Round Lake home, call Duane Blanton Plumbing at (815) 781-2567 today.
