Fall is the best time to ensure your plumbing is free from faults. As the cold season approaches, it is advisable to ensure that your plumbing is free from blockages and leaks. Here are some of the top plumbing tips to prepare for the season ahead.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets and Unhook Water Hoses
As the weather gets colder, you should unhook garden water hoses left outdoors. Exposure to freezing temperatures forces the water inside to expand. The pipe can crack and even burst, causing flooding and possibly weakening the foundation.
You can start winterizing the hoses and outdoor faucets in late fall in Maricopa County. If your home has a shut-off valve, you’ll need to turn it off to stop the water supply. You can then open the outdoor faucets to let any remaining water drain out.
Do not leave the water hoses hooked into the outdoor faucets. Freezing water can accumulate around the connections. You may hang up the hoses over a fence or pole to ensure no water remains inside.
Faucets and hoses are safe from freezing temperatures as long as there is no water inside. If there is ice building up in the pipes, you can let it trickle to reduce the risk of damage. If you spot leaks in your plumbing, consult Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical in Glendale.
Freezing Temperatures and Pipe Insulation
Pipes outside your home are also vulnerable to bursting due to low temperatures. That may include sprinklers, swimming pool supply lines, and plumbing passing through your garage.
One way you can minimize damage is to keep kitchen cabinets and interior shelves open. Air can circulate to keep the supply lines behind the wall warm. Look for spaces around the pipe that could allow air through and seal them.
Pipes in cold places should be insulated. Inspect plumbing located in areas such as the garage or basement. If the insulation is worn out, consider having it repaired.
Hydro-Jetting Your Drainpipes and Sewer Lines
Fall is an ideal time to clear the drainpipes and sewer lines. Debris from grease, leaves, or hair strands can accumulate and cause clogging. Roots can grow towards your plumbing and break into the pipe.
As the season progresses, the blockages can build up into a stubborn clog. Such blockages can be challenging to remove with conventional means, such as a plumber’s snake. Chemical cleaners are also ineffective and can produce dangerous toxic fumes.
Hydro jetting is a process that involves flushing out blockages with high-pressure water. The pressure can vary from 4,000 psi to 60,000 psi, depending on the application. The technique is much safer on aging plumbing than using a drain snake or chemical cleaners.
Hydro jetting can remove odors and prevent the spread of bacteria. A plumber can use several types of nozzles to remove clogging on pipes of varying sizes. A drain snake can remove blockages that are close to the opening of the piping.
Certified plumbers also have tools such as a camera to find the precise location of clogging on underground pipes. By combining camera inspections with hydro jetting, the cleaning takes less time and is more thorough than traditional techniques.
Depending on the type of blockage, a professional will evaluate the best pressure level and nozzles to use. For a cleaning that will keep your plumbing free from blockages, the plumber has to have the requisite training and experience. Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical can provide dependable hydro jetting services.
Inspect and Clean Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, fall is the best time to ensure that it is in optimal condition. Heavy storms can lead to flooding on parts of your property.
To test the sump pump, pour water and watch its level rise in the sump pit. As the float rises, it should signal the pump to start. When the water level drops, the system will turn off. If the pump doesn’t start or turn off when the pit empties, you should organize an inspection.
Check that your sump pump is plugged in before starting the test. You can use a battery backup system to ensure that the system is always running in case of power outages from storms.
Professional plumbers recommend organizing a maintenance service for your sump pump every three to six months. Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical has a skilled sump pump team in Glendale. We can provide timely repairs to prevent water damage or flooding on your property.
Flush Your Water Heater
In Maricopa County, the level of hard water is categorized as very high. That means the municipal supply contains minerals like calcium and magnesium in large quantities.
Unfortunately, mineral deposits can reduce the efficiency of your water heater. They can accumulate around the heating element, forcing your equipment to take longer to heat water.
Mineral deposits can also build up at the bottom of the tank. The sediments can corrode the tank’s lining, causing system failure. Once the tank starts to leak, it is impossible to repair it, and you may have to replace it.
The best way to protect your water heating appliances is to flush out the sediments at the bottom of the tank. Ideally, you may flush the heater at least once a year, depending on how often you use your equipment.
To maximize your energy savings in the cold season, set the temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Manufacturers recommend 140 degrees settings. But 120 degrees is usually sufficient, according to the Department of Energy.
At 120 degrees, the temperature is safer to avoid scaling accidents, especially if you have young children in your home. But for people who have an immune condition, a 140 degrees setting is recommended. Some dishwashers will only work with a 140-degree temperature. But if you can lower the setting, you can get hot water and save on your utility bills.
Schedule an Inspection of Your Plumbing
A plumbing inspection is a routine procedure that involves finding faults or possible malfunctions that could occur. The process is performed by plumbers, who have the training to spot issues that could be problematic in the future.
When drains backup and piping clog, they can delay any activities going on in your home. Issues such as clogs and leakages can cause water waste that could raise your utility bills. Detecting the faults at their earliest stages can reduce the cost of fixing the plumbing when it malfunctions.
Certified plumbers can perform the task much faster, thanks to the cutting-edge equipment available today. They can send miniature cameras down the sewer lines and drains to spot the exact location of the blockage.
They will also inspect all parts of your home where there is water running. Hydro-jetting and other cleaning techniques can restore your plumbing’s efficiency and stop costly repairs in the future.
If you need top-notch plumbing service in Glendale, call Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical. We are fully bonded, licensed, and insured to provide quality plumbing solutions. You can expect our team to arrive at your premises promptly and work efficiently to complete the task. Our team is known for delivering exceptional results and unmatched craftsmanship. Call us today for plumbing solutions you can trust.
