How to Prep a Home for a Plumbing Disaster
When is a worse time for a plumbing incident than those infamous Northern five-degree afternoons? The ones where the wind chill makes it feel like negative seventeen when the whole county is huddled up indoors next to their fireplaces! That’s when every homeowner needs a dependable company to handle those plumbing disasters that seem to occur at the most inopportune time. With a new year starting, plumbing experts are here to share some helpful tips to protect the home from expensive emergencies.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Water Lines
Like the reaction of a water bottle stuck in a freezer, pipes that freeze over in the wintertime can expand and eventually break. Not only is this a royal pain to deal with, but it will also leave homeowners without running water!
Avoid pesky water problems altogether with these handy-dandy tips and tricks.
- Keep those faucets running: A drizzle will do, just enough to keep a small flow to discourage freezing.
- Direct warm air to cold areas: Pipes located near exterior walls, windows, or in basements tend to have a higher chance of freezing. Try to keep those areas a little toastier.
- Open up those cabinets: Letting that warm air in is essential, especially in those colder areas like bathrooms or basements. A space heater can work wonders as well if a room is particularly cold.
- Disconnect the hose from outside: Disconnecting the garden hose will allow for proper drainage, protecting pipes from potential freezing.
- Insulation: Proper insulation keeps all that warmth inside where it belongs.
Lastly, call an expert! Scheduling a plumbing inspection ahead of the winter season can identify potentially problematic areas allowing for a jump start on prevention!
Never Ignore a Gas Leak
While natural gas use is relatively safe, it’s estimated that some 500 Americans die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning a year. Leaks can also lead to explosions with something as simple as the flip of a light switch! It’s highly advisable to obtain a carbon monoxide detector for anyone with gas appliances in the home.
There is an added chemical in natural gas that gives off a rotten egg smell. If homeowners should smell this, it’s crucial to react immediately:
- Don’t flip any switches/light matches!
- Don’t use the landline or a cell phone in the house!
- Get out of the house!
- Call 911 from a safe location!
Whether due to corrosion, inadequate piping, or faltering ventilation, it’s important to get regular inspections to ensure the home and family’s safety.
Sewage Backups Should Always Be Prevented
Most insurance policies only cover sewage line repair when it’s the result of a third party or an act of God. This can leave homeowners with a rather lofty bill should a disaster occur. The best way to avoid this is preventative measures like the ones below.
- Properly dispose of grease: Never pour grease down the drain as it tends to clog pipes.
- Proper disposal of personal products: Items such as personal wipes or feminine products should go into the trash, not down the toilet.
- Pesky tree roots: Even a small leak in the sewer line can attract tree roots that will then burrow and cause clogs! Be sure to keep them trimmed up!
Of course, the best way to handle any of the issues above is to work with a reputable plumbing service company. Expert contractors will be able to handle complex repairs, and in many instances, they can help homeowners prevent these issues from the start.
About Sheely’s Plumbing, Inc
Sheely Plumbing is a friendly neighborhood business with 13 years of experience under the belt. With honesty and fairness as a top priority, their employees offer honest and reliable advice. Contact them today for emergency plumbing service in Alto and the Greater Grand Rapids Area.
