De-winterize Your Plumbing And Prepare For Spring
Winterizing the home is an essential step that may prevent damages during the frigid months of the year
. Likewise, de-winterizing your home is also a necessity when spring arrives. During the winter, debris gathers, drains become clogged, leaks spring up, and other unforeseen damages to pipes may occur. To fix these problems and prepare the home for warmer weather, a plumber will follow a thorough checklist in de-winterizing a home.
This process is particularly important in areas of extreme weather and bitter cold, and in the case of summer homes which are largely unoccupied during winter months. De-winterization includes the following steps for plumbing maintenance.
First, because a leak at its worst could ruin an entire wall or floor, a thorough examination of all pipes should be performed. A professional will open the water lines, inspecting pipes in all locations including sinks, water heaters, and crawl spaces, repairing any problems that are found. While water heaters are used all year, now is also an ideal time for your plumber to check it and ensure it is leak-free and in proper working order.
It is natural for build-up and sediment to collect in pipes and faucets with regular use. During the de-winterizing process, a plumbing service professional will remove filters from faucets and run the water, purging the system of build-up. This will be performed in every faucet of the home. Additionally, all water valves connected to different fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, and washers will be tested to ensure they are in working order.
Anti-freeze removal is also necessary when the weather thaws. A professional will thoroughly purge all fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs that have had anti-freeze added, as it is no longer needed. In any season, floor drains may become clogged; a professional will test all drains, even those that are used less often, to prevent flooding and damage.
Another part of plumbing maintenance is the safe removal and/or replacement of insulation, when needed. Insulation is often added to pipes to prevent freezing, but eventually becomes old, ineffective, or unnecessary. A plumber can safely remove and dispose of old insulation, replacing it when needed.
It is also essential to check outdoor fixtures, especially during the spring when they are needed for landscaping. These fixtures are exposed to the winter elements and may need extra care and attention. When needed, a plumber will blow out and test sprinkler lines and outdoor faucets. While proper winterization generally prevents most pipe breakage of outdoor lines during the colder months, it is still important to check outdoor fixtures and pipes for leaks and breakage during de-winterization to prevent costly problems later.
Although there are some simple measures you can take to de-winterize your home, hiring a licensed plumber is highly recommended. A professional will have the expertise and equipment needed and will save the homeowner time, worry, and even money by preventing costly damages to the property. All homes require regular plumbing maintenance, and de-winterizing performed by a professional is the ideal way to prepare a residence for the warmer months of the year.
by: Stephen Daniels
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