Fall is here, and the chill is finally in the air in Arroyo Grande. That, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, means we’ll all be spending more time in our houses in the coming months.
So, there’s no better time than to check off those plumbing maintenance jobs that you’ve been putting off. Especially with freezing temperatures here in some areas, it’s important to ensure your pipes and faucets are ready for the season.
To help, our Arroyo Grande plumbing experts have created a checklist for homeowners.
Disconnect Hoses and Check Faucets for Leaks
Disconnect outdoor water hoses and make sure faucets are free of drips. This prevents interior pipes connected to the outside water faucet from freezing and possibly bursting.
Turn faucets completely off and shut off the interior valve (if your home has one). You can further protect exterior faucets by covering them with Styrofoam coverings.
Check Pipes and Fixtures
Inspect all of your home’s plumbing pipes to make sure they are properly insulated. Even interior pipes are susceptible to freezing in the wintertime, especially along exterior walls or in basements.
Check indoor faucets and plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showerheads, etc.) for leaks and get them repaired before winter hits.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Water heaters work harder during winter months, so flush it out and remove sediment buildup, which causes corrosion, shortens its life, and reduces heating efficiency. Make sure the temperature setting on your water heater’s thermostat is set at 120°F for optimum performance.
Check out our water heater maintenance tips for more on this.
Fill in Outdoor Gaps
It’s common for gaps to develop over time where outdoor pipes enter the walls of your home. These gaps allow cold air to penetrate, which can impact your utility bill and even cause pipes to freeze. Inspect all the areas where pipes enter your home and seal the gaps with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.
Check Your Sump Pump
Even though most homes on the Central Coast don’t have basements, you may have a sump pump in your crawl space. Make sure it’s clean and in good working order for when the rain comes. Pour a bucket of water on it and check to see that it turns on and pumps the water out. If it’s not working properly, or if you notice dampness or foul odors, call one of Arroyo Grande’s professional plumbers. A sump pump is also at lower risk for freezing if it’s well maintained.
For help on any of these projects, our professional Arroyo Grande plumbers are a call or click away. Contact us online or simply by calling (805) 751-7206 .
