Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Virginia. The leaves turn scarlet, bronze, red, and brown. The air is cool and fresh. But as the seasons change, so do the temperatures. And if you’re not prepared for the worst, you could run into some home troubles, especially with your plumbing. By learning how to take care of your plumbing before cold weather takes over, you’ll put your mind at ease, so here is what we suggest:
Disconnect your hose:Â Take a few minutes to disconnect the hose, as any in water left in them could freeze. As a result, the water will likely expand, causing pipes that are connected to it to break.
Get your ladder: It’s time to clean out the gutters! Make sure all the falling leaves stay clear from your gutter. This allows water that freezes and melts to have an easy access to your drain. Take this time to remove other forms of debris as well.
Shut off outdoor fixtures:Â Are all your outdoor fixtures completely drained? The last thing you want is frozen pipes in winter, so make sure to shut off all outdoor fixtures and drain them.
Check outdoor faucets:Â Are any of them leaking? If so, contact your local plumbing to come fix the problem before winter rolls around.
Locate the main water valve: If you know you’re planning a winter vacation anytime soon, plan to shut off the water in your home at the source. We also recommend you keep your home at a cool 55 degrees Fahrenheit – this will save energy but keep your pipes from freezing while you’re away.
By taking these plumbing tips into consideration, you can keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable, all winter long! Need a hand with plumbing and heating repairs before cold weather hits? Contact Blue Mountain Plumbing Heating and Cooling. We proudly serve Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Staunton, Virginia. Call 540-942-2700 for all of your plumbing needs.
