A famous novelist once said that Winter is a season of recovery and preparation but it can also bring loads of problems, especially when it comes to your home’s plumbing welfare. Blocked drains caused by grease and food scraps, frozen pipes, hot water heater malfunctions, and leaks are just some of the dilemmas that homeowners can encounter these things do happen. fortunately, we have a couple of plumbing tips to minimize the effects of these plumbing headaches.
We Have A Couple Of Plumbing Tips To Minimize The Effects Of These Plumbing Headaches
Treasure Your Drains
One easy and simple way is to flush your drain with a kettle full of boiling water. Though it’s not guaranteed that your drains will get cleared it will help fix minor issues such as oil/grease buildup in your pipes. One method is to pour some special mixture into your drains. Mix vinegar, baking soda and salt and pour it down to your drain. Let the mixture sit in your drains for 5-10 minutes then you can then try to flush it with boiling water if you have metal pipes or just plain lukewarm water if you have PVC pipes. Take note that this mixture might irritate your skin so wear rubber gloves for added protection.
Lastly, the fundamental rule on preventing blocking your drainage system is as simple as to refrain from flushing down undesired foreign objects. A perfect example is excess food, the fat or grease content on some food will cause build-up in time and ultimately block your drains. Flushable napkins are never flushable, make sure to dump them in your rubbish bins than flushing them down and cause long-term problems. A simple rule of thumb is never carelessly flush anything down your drain.
Don’t Overlook Your Water Heater
Everyone talks about the pipes, but your hot water system needs some winter damage prevention too. Water is colder in the winter, meaning it’s going to take longer for your water heater to do its thing. Look for rust or corrosion around the water heater. These are signs that you have a leak somewhere, which would require immediate attention.
And it’s not just the water; the more sediment and mineral buildup your water heater has, the more time, energy and money it will take. By draining your water heater, you can rid all of the sediment that is building up inside. These impurities make your water heater work harder, waste energy and lead to early water heater failure. Consider a replacement of your hot water system before winter hits, if it seems to be old and rust is forming.
Keep Those Pipes Warm
To ensure that your outdoor pipes remain unharmed during the winter season, it is highly recommended that you take proactive steps to prevent your outdoor pipes from bursting. One of the most effective preventive measures is to turn off any outside water using the shut-off valves before the temperature drops and while the weather is still warm.
This will help to avoid the freezing and consequent cracking of your pipes, which can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. By taking these simple yet crucial steps, you can rest assured that your outdoor pipes will remain in pristine condition throughout the winter months.
Additional Tips
In regions where winter frost is a concern, it is crucial to protect pipes from potential damage. The best way to achieve this is by insulating any exposed areas of the pipes. It is recommended to focus on the most vulnerable pipes by fitting them with insulation sleeves or wrapping.
This will help to maintain the appropriate temperature and prevent any potential damage that may arise due to the cold weather. Proper insulation ensures that the pipes remain in good condition, providing an uninterrupted flow of water and other fluids.
It’s never a good idea to ignore your home’s plumbing system whenever winter is progressing. It’s the harshest season you could ever have. When all else fails make sure to contact us at call us at 13 10 91 and we’ll do the job for you. We are serving areas in Newcastle, Canberra, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens.
Here is another article that you may find interesting in regards to “What To Check If Your Hot Water Service Is Not Working Properly”.
At The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor, we have made these articles downloadable to PDF for our customer’s convenience.
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