Tips on Winterizing your Plumbing #1

Winter in Hinsdale IL

Part 1 of 4: Basic Plumbing Checkups

Even if you’re not a professional plumber, a few checks and adjustments will help prepare your home for the winter.

 

Remove the hoses from the spigots outside and shut off the spigot from inside (if there is a shut off there).  Drain hoses and hang or store them. One freeze while the hose is connected to spigot and you will need to have the spigot replaced. Water expands when it freezes so any water left in hoses will split the hose.

Check and exercise all shut offs in your home every year.  Due to the corrosive nature of water- shut off valves can break because they get frozen or rusted in the open position.  When you need your shut off valves to work you usually have a problem with its associated fixture – it’s not only maddening if you can’t shut off the water when you need to – it can cause $$$$’s worth of water damage. 

Do a visual whole house inspection of fixtures and valves at least once a year. Replace or repair any needed valves, hoses, and faucets. Talk about water down the drain….  leaking or running toilets waste tens of thousands of dollars worth of fresh water every year in this country. Preventative maintenance is always less expensive than a plumbing disaster.

Home plumbing winterizing is available for snowbirds. If your home is vacant for any amount of time through the winter call you insurance agent & plumber to let them know so the proper precautions can be taken.

Call a professional for any of the above listed maintenance if you are not capable of performing the maintenance yourself.  The Scottish Plumber can perform most of the above maintenance. Just do it especially if your a snow bird, then spend your vacation relaxing instead of worry about your home sweet home. We serve Hinsdale, Chicago, and the  Chicago Metro area.