The fall is quickly approaching and is a great time to prep for the winter. Each and every Cleveland plumber would agree that just a few simple preparations now can prevent costly repairs that commonly occur in the winter.
Be sure to disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water is able to freeze, which can lead to frozen and/or broken pipes. Check for drippy/leaky faucets. Make sure to repair them before freezing temperatures arrive. Just one small crack in a pipe can easily unleash over 250 gallons of water in a single day.
If you have interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close and drain them. Insulating pipes in unheated areas (like garages and crawl spaces) with heat tape or thermostat- controlled cables is an option as well.
Your water heater works harder in the winter, so make sure it is functioning properly- for optimum performance check that it is set at 120°F. Inspect your sump pump and pit too. If not properly maintained and exposed to extreme cold, pumps can freeze and stop operating.
If vacationing, make sure the heat is set no lower than 55°F. Additionally, shut off the main water valve and drain the faucets at the lowest and highest points of your home. Note: if leaving for an extensive period of time it is recommended to seek professional help for Cleveland plumbing winterization.
