How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Seasonal plumbing preparation is important for both commercial and residential properties. As the climate and temperatures change, so should the routine maintenance for your plumbing. Depending on the condition of your plumbing system, this can include annual inspections, professional service, part replacements, cleaning, and much more. Although most plumbing maintenance requires professional service, there are many household tasks you can do on your own to prepare your plumbing for the
upcoming winter season.

Continue reading to find out what they are and how to get started!

Outdoor Plumbing Preparations

Before temperatures can drop low enough to freeze water, it is important to manage all of your outdoor plumbing systems, including outdoor faucets, spigots, valves, drains, and hoses. This will prevent a large number of frustrating frozen water plumbing problems. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect all of your outdoor hoses. Store them away for the season. Failing to do so can cause hoses to freeze and expand, which can then cause connecting faucets and plumbing lines to break.

Check all outdoor faucets for water leaks. If you find a leak, contact a plumber for professional water leak repair services. Failing to prepare water leaks can cause cracks and pipes, which can lead to severe water damage and flooding disasters.

Note: For homes with interior water shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets, be sure to drain all water from the outside lines in turn themselves off.

Purchase Styrofoam faucet insulation covers and install them on all outdoor faucets. You can purchase these covers for a fee dollars apiece at any local home improvement store.

Clear gutters and down spouts mud, leaves, twigs, and other organic matter.

Indoor Plumbing Preparations

Test the temperature and water pressure relief valve (T&PR valve) on your water heater. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to properly perform a T&PR valve test. When operating properly, the valve should produce a burst of hot water in the drainpipe. If the valve does not respond properly, call a licensed plumber for water heater repair service.

On the subject of water heaters, be sure to have your flushed. You can do this on your own if you know how, otherwise it is best to have it serviced professionally.

Inspect and clean your sump pump pit and septic system. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions, or contact a local plumber for professional septic system services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service, today.

Fall Season Plumbing Tips that Can Save You Lots of Money!

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Just because Indiana is still seeing pleasant Indiana summer weather doesn’t mean that the cold isn’t on its way anymore. Before you know it, these 60 degree days will turn into below 40 degree weeks and eventually right into the dead of Indiana winter. So if you have been putting off fall seasonal duties because the weather has tricked you, it is time to get to work before it’s too late!

One of the most important areas to focus on is your home’s plumbing. It is one of the most important systems in our homes, if not THE most important. Without proper plumbing operation, we are without most of the modern-day privileges we have become accustomed to. For this reason, plumbing is intricate and complex, as well as, expensive to repair or replace.

With proper routine maintenance, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and part replacements by avoiding breakdowns and malfunctions. Continue reading to learn some tasks you should complete for your plumbing now that the fall season is here, and winter is right around the corner.

Fall Season Plumbing Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance and your plumbing, you need to consider the outdoor plumbing, indoor plumbing, and plumbing appliances like water heaters and water softeners. This includes toilets, hoses, sinks, sump pumps, sewer systems, and more. Here are some tips for indoor, outdoor, and water heater plumbing maintenance for fall and winter.

Indoors:

• Insulate pipes that are susceptible to freezing.
• Learn where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it for emergencies.
• Have your water heater serviced by a professional.
• Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees to maximize safety and efficiency.
• Test the T&PR valve on the water heater by lifting lever and letting it snap back. You should be a burst of hot water into the drain pipe. If not, you need to replace it.
• Inspect that sump pump is functional
• Flush kitchen and bathroom drain lines with
bleach one time every year.
• Seal air leaks in doors and windows.

Outdoors:

• Cover all exposed faucets using a Styrofoam insulation kit.
• Be sure outdoor faucets are not dripping.
• Disconnect all garden hoses.
• Insulate pips in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Inspect and clean the sump pump and pit.
• Have your sewer lines inspected by a professional.
• Unclog and clear all gutters and downspouts.
• If your home has an indoor shut-off for an outdoor faucet, close it and drain all water from the outside lines.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for fall plumbing service for water heaters, water softeners, septic systems, drains, and more in Indianapolis, IN. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide skilled service at a price you can be happy about. For more than 100 years, we have been a family owned and operated business dedicated to quality workmanship and customer service. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service you can afford!