We’re at a time of year when you should be thinking about your plumbing. The cold weather can wreak havoc on them, so it’s important to stay on top of things. If you want to avoid expensive plumbing repairs and keep your home running smoothly all winter long, here are the common mistakes you should be aware of.
Outline:
- What happens to your plumbing system during the winter?
- Mistakes to Avoid During the Winter:
- Dependable Plumbers in Central Texas
What happens to your plumbing system during the winter?
In winter, as temperatures drop, so does the pressure of the water in your pipes. The lower pressure means that water doesn’t flow as freely through your pipes as it does during warmer months. This isn’t usually an issue unless you have older plumbing parts that aren’t built for low-pressure situations—such as those with air chambers or loose pipe fittings, which could lead to leaks or bursts.
Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do to help your plumbing system last through the winter. If you have any pipes that run through unheated spaces, consider adding more insulation to them now. If you have old or corroded pipes, it may be a good idea to replace them with new ones. This will prevent leaks and bursts during the winter months, and save your wallet some money in the long run.
Most importantly, if you notice any leaks in your home, make sure they get repaired before they cause serious damage. Contact your local plumber as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it could lead to more expensive issues down the line.
Mistakes to Avoid During the Winter
Winter is here, and with it comes the possibility of frozen pipes, burst water heaters, and a variety of other problems. If you don’t know how to handle these issues, you could end up with a thousand-dollar repair bill—or worse. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make during the winter:
Putting off repairs. Big plumbing problems often start small, so it’s important to keep an eye out for leaks and other signs of damage. If you take care of small leaks right away, they won’t turn into huge ones that require expensive pipe repairs later on.
Forgetting to change the batteries in your leak detector. Leak detectors are great for alerting you to leaks, but they won’t do any good if the batteries are dead. Make sure you change them every six months or so, and don’t forget to test the unit regularly by pressing its test button.
Not properly insulating pipes. Insulation isn’t just for keeping the heat in; it can also keep water from freezing. Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or pipe covers (available at most hardware stores) to help prevent frozen pipes during the winter. You can also call a local plumber to install a heat tracing system, which is an electrical wire that’s run through your pipes and connected to a heating source. When the temperature drops below freezing outside, the heater turns on and warms up the water in your pipes so it doesn’t freeze. However, this can be expensive to install. If you’re on a budget, insulation is a much more affordable option.
Not taking care of your water heater. Your water heater is one of those appliances that’s always working hard for you. It heats water for showers, baths, and laundry. You should give your water heater some TLC every once in a while to make sure it’s working at its best. For example, clean out sediment buildup from the bottom of your tank every few months by running vinegar through the cold faucet until it runs clear. Drain the tank completely once a year (if possible) to remove any rust or mineral deposits that have built up inside the pipes over time.
Ignoring strange noises. Another common mistake is to ignore strange noises. If you hear something new coming from your plumbing, it’s time to get out the flashlight and start looking around to see what’s causing it. You might have an old pipe that’s about to burst or a leak that needs fixing. If you don’t fix it, the noise will only get worse and could lead to a more expensive repair job down the road.
Not knowing when to call the pros. Finally, you need to know when to call the pros. If you’re not sure about a plumbing job or if it seems too complicated for your skills, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is preferable to have a professional come out and assess the situation rather than attempt to fix things on your own and make things worse in the long run. Most plumbers recommend that you call them before Christmas to avoid any problems with your plumbing system.
Dependable Plumbers in Central Texas
The best way to prepare for any problem is to be informed. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding disaster, which will save you money in the long run.
If you live in Central Texas and are looking for dependable plumbers in Waco or the nearby areas, you can count on Smelscer Plumbing. We offer a wide range of plumbing services and can help you with any problem that might arise. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you don’t have to worry about being left without hot water or heat at the worst possible time. We also repair slab leaks and sewer lines.
We take pride in the work we do and will work hard to ensure that all our customers are 100% satisfied. All our plumbers are certified and have years of experience in the field. We are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. So, if you need a plumber in Waco or nearby areas, call Smelscer Plumbing today.
