Winter can be tough on your home's plumbing, causing pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs. That's why it's smart to schedule a winter plumbing inspection.
A winter plumbing check-up can help you avoid big problems and save money in the long run. A plumber will look for weak spots in your pipes and fix small issues before they escalate while suggesting ways to keep your plumbing safe during cold snaps.
A winter plumbing inspection can save you money and prevent major issues, ensuring your home is safe and comfortable during cold months.
Frozen pipes are a big risk in winter as they can burst and cause flooding in your home. A pre-winter plumbing inspection finds weak spots in pipes so insulation can be added to protect them.
Inspections also check for leaks, as even small leaks waste water and can lead to bigger problems. Fixing them early saves you money on water bills and repairs. Your plumber will check your water heater too, ensuring it's working well for the cold season ahead.
A winter plumbing inspection can reduce energy use as a plumber will test your hot water system for efficiency and then suggest updates that use less energy. Old or broken parts often waste water and energy so replacing these can lower your bills. Your plumber may also add pipe insulation to keep hot water hot longer, meaning you use less energy to heat it.
Simple fixes like low-flow fixtures can help too, cutting water use without changing how you use your sinks and showers. Less water use means lower water heating costs.
Winter plumbing inspections focus on key areas to prevent cold weather issues. These checks help keep your home's plumbing safe and working well during harsh winter months.
A thorough check of your plumbing system is crucial and includes looking at pipes, faucets, and drains. A plumber will test water pressure and flow in all areas of your home, while also checking for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage on pipes and fixtures.
Toilets, showers, and sinks will be examined for proper function and your main water line and shut-off valve will also be assessed to ensure they are in good shape and easy to access.
Outdoor spigots and irrigation systems need attention too and should be drained and protected from freezing before winter.
Your sump pump is vital for preventing basement flooding and needs to be tested before winter to ensure it's working. A professional plumber can clean the pit, check the float switch, and test the backup battery. This is important for power outages during winter storms.
Water heaters need a thorough check too, looking for rust, leaks, or odd noises. They'll test the pressure relief valve and the temperature setting. If you have a tank water heater, they'll flush it to remove sediment as this helps it run more efficiently.
Proper insulation is key to preventing frozen pipes and your chosen inspector will check exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. They'll suggest adding insulation where needed and evaluate your home's overall insulation.
For leak detection, the inspector may use special tools that can find hidden leaks in walls or under floors, including acoustic devices or thermal cameras.
Winter plumbing inspections often reveal hidden problems. Catching these issues early can prevent costly damage and keep your home running smoothly.
Finding sediment buildup in pipes and fixtures is common during inspections and can reduce water flow and pressure over time. You may notice weak showers or slow-filling toilets. A plumber can flush your system to remove sediment and restore proper pressure. Low water pressure may point to leaks in your pipes.
Hard water deposits can also clog faucet aerators and showerheads and these fixtures need to be cleaned or replaced to improve water flow. If you have very hard water, consider installing a water softener to prevent future buildup.
Clogged drains are another common issue found during winter inspections. Hair, soap scum, and debris can build up over time, leading to slow draining or complete blockages. A plumber can use drain snakes or hydro-jetting to clear stubborn clogs.
Outdoor hoses left connected can freeze and burst pipes so make sure to disconnect, drain, and store hoses before cold weather hits. Wrap exposed outdoor pipes and spigots to prevent freezing.
Working with a skilled plumber helps keep your home's plumbing in top shape as a professional can spot issues early and save you money in the long run.
Regular plumbing checks can prevent costly problems, avoiding surprise leaks and clogs that could damage your home. As professional plumbers have the right tools for the job they can clean drains, fix leaks, and test water pressure which may be difficult to do yourself. This keeps your pipes and fixtures working well.
Plumbers can also give you tips to avoid future issues, suggesting ways to use less water or protect your pipes from freezing. This advice can help you save money on bills and repairs, and ensure you get more years out of your pipes, water heater, and other fixtures.
An expert can also spot safety issues like gas leaks or water contamination, keeping you and your family safe and healthy. It offers peace of mind you can't get from DIY checks.
Speak to us today to arrange your next inspection so your home is fully prepped for winter.
