As the temperature drops, it’s easy to forget that your plumbing system is still active. While you might think the water in your pipes will freeze, it actually doesn’t. But because of temperature fluctuations and other factors, there are some things you should keep an eye on this winter.
As a reliable and reputed plumber in Paso Robles, CA, we’ve put together this handy plumbing maintenance checklist for you to use as a guide for keeping your plumbing system safe and sound during the colder months ahead.
What Consists a Plumbing Maintenance Checklist?
A plumbing maintenance checklist typically includes a range of tasks and plumbing inspections to ensure the proper functioning of the plumbing system. Here are some essential items that may be included in a plumbing maintenance checklist:
Insulate exposed pipes
Insulating exposed pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting in cold weather. You should also make sure that any pipes near windows are insulated. If you live in an area that gets very cold during the winter months, consider moving your pipes into a crawl space or basement where they will be protected from the cold air outside.
Check for leaks
Checking your faucets and hoses for leaks is important to keeping your plumbing in tip-top shape during the cold months. Make sure all of your faucets are turned off when not in use so no more water is wasted through leaks!
Clean out drains
Clogged drains are pretty much the worst thing ever because they lead to clogged toilets, and clogged toilets lead to… well… flooded houses! To prevent this home plumbing maintenance from happening, make sure you clean out your drains regularly throughout the year so you’re not stuck dealing with any nasty surprises come springtime (or, worse yet, summertime). You can also call professional drain clogs and toilet clogs cleaning plumbers to do the best work.
Inspect and get your water heater repaired.
If you haven’t had a professional water heater repair and replacement plumber check out your water heater in a while, now’s the time. Make sure there aren’t any leaks or cracks, check your exhaust fan (if it has one), and make sure the pilot light is still working—you don’t want to be freezing in the dark!
Inspect and get your toilet seals fixed
It’s not just pipes that freeze in the winter—so do toilet seals! Take some time now to inspect yours before they go bad and cause problems down the road. Also, make sure they’re in good condition before putting them back on if they’ve been removed already. You can also use a wax ring sealant if needed instead of removing it completely.
Service your HVAC system
It’s important to keep your heating system in good working order so it doesn’t get overwhelmed by the cold temperatures outside. If you haven’t had your heating system serviced recently, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with professional Air conditioning repair and installation experts who can make sure everything is running smoothly so you don’t have to worry about freezing pipes or being unable to heat your home this winter!
Check and clean exhaust vents
Make sure there are no leaves or other debris blocking your exhaust vents, as this can cause carbon monoxide build-up inside your home if left unchecked during these frigid months! Also, make sure they’re not blocked by snow or ice—if they are, clear them off immediately so they can vent properly.
Turn up the Thermostat
If the temperature of your home is too low, then this could cause an increase in water usage that can cause leaks or burst pipes. You should also ensure that all appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving for work—including dishwashers and washing machines.
Check water pressure
If you notice a drop in water pressure, it could be time to replace your faucet aerators. Aerators are little filters that restrict the flow of water from your pipes. They’re typically located underneath each faucet handle but can also be attached to the end of your showerhead. Aerators are inexpensive and easy to install, so it’s worth doing this before you get stuck with low pressure during peak showering hours.
Inspect and clean your septic system
It’s important to keep your septic system in tip-top shape during winter, as cold weather can cause it to break down. Inspect your septic tank and drain field to make sure they are clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you notice any sort of blockage or malfunction, contact a professional plumber immediately for plumbing maintenance.
Check your outdoor sprinkler systems
Another thing that needs to be considered for the commercial plumbing preventative maintenance checklist is a sprinkler system. Outdoor sprinkler systems can be affected by freezing temperatures. Be sure to turn off your sprinkler system when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and close all valves properly. If you notice any leaks or frozen lines, contact a professional plumber for plumbing services and solutions in Paso Robles immediately.
Prepare an emergency kit.
We’ve all seen those videos of people stuck in their homes during a water main break or similar disaster—and they’re usually trying to fix the problem with nothing more than a rag and a paper towel roll. That’s why it’s important to always have an emergency kit on hand. It should include matches, gloves, screwdrivers and wrenches, safety goggles, duct tape (the duct tape!), plastic sheeting, tarps… basically, anything that could be useful in a pinch. And don’t forget about food! You might want to stock up on some canned goods just in case you need them later on down the road. We recommend beans–they’re cheap and filling!
Drain outdoor faucets
The majority of cold-weather plumbing problems are related to frozen pipes in one way or another, but if you take care of them now, there’s no need for panic later on! To prevent freezing issues with your outdoor faucets, drain them regularly throughout the season—even if there isn’t any snow on the ground yet! You can do this by removing any plugs from the fixtures or turning off the valve underneath each one completely so that water doesn’t flow through them at all times, even though they’re not being used right now.
Clean gutters and downspouts
High winds and heavy snow can lead to debris clogging up your gutters, which makes it harder for water to drain away from your house. A clogged gutter can cause water to back up into your foundation or basement walls. Additionally, snow melting off roofs can pool in gutters and melt down into the foundation of a building, causing leaks. Reach out to reputed Sewer Line Repair & Replacement plumbers in Paso Robles to clean out sewer lines.
Call Rocksteady Plumbing For Immediate Plumbing Services!
When your home or business is experiencing plumbing problems, you need someone who can get the job done quickly. That’s why Rocksteady Plumbing offers commercial plumbing services in Paso Robles—because we know how important it is for your business to be up and running as soon as possible. We’ve been serving local businesses for over 25 years and are ready to help yours today!
Our team of experts offers a wide range of plumbing solutions, including:
- Drain cleaning service
- Sewer line repair and replacement service
- Water heater repair and replacement service
- Hot water tank installation or replacement service
- Garbage disposal installation or repair service
- Bathroom remodeling services
- Shower installation services
- Repiping solutions
From replacing old pipes and routine plumbing maintenance to emergency repairs and installing new pipes, Rocksteady Plumbing has got you covered. And we’re not just about fixing what’s broken—we also specialize in preventative maintenance services so that you can stay ahead of any issues with your plumbing system before they even happen.
The best thing? We’re available 24/7, so if you need a professional plumber after hours or on the weekend, call us now at 805-237-7625!
