Imagine trying to enjoy your holiday dinner, but all you can hear in the background is the drip, drip, drip of the faucet. Or even worse, imagine setting up to open presents when you notice a large wet spot start to grow on your wall or ceiling. The holidays are not immune to plumbing problems. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent issues from ruining your holiday season.
Here are some of the most common plumbing headaches and how to avoid them during the holidays:
Basement Flooding
A seized sump pump could cause basement flooding especially if we experience increased precipitation, as is the norm for winter weather. To test if your sump pump motor has seized, simply pour a bucket of water into the tank and wait to see if the motor kicks on. If nothing happens, it may be seized, call an expert right away for a quick inspection and resolution.
Burst Pipes
Cold temperatures contribute to burst pipes. When the pipes are exposed to cold, the water inside freezes expands and eventually ruptures the pipe. By insulating your pipes with foam insulation, you can avoid this problem and rest easy knowing your pipes are protected.
Spraying or Dripping Faucets
Check your faucets before the holidays to ensure they are flowing freely. If not, you may have one or more of the following problems:
- Sediment build-up inside the spout, impeding the water flow or causing spraying.
- Worn out O-rings causing leaking or dripping.
- Corroded washers are also causing leaking or dripping.
Inefficient Water Heater
If your water heater is exposed to cold air, it will have a harder time heating up and retaining warmth, making it less efficient. The added strain will cause your energy bill to rise and could potentially lead to unexpected breakdowns. Invest in a water heater insulator to protect the unit from the cold. You’ll notice improved efficiency, reduced energy bills and you won’t have to worry about putting extra pressure on your water heater.
Burst Pipes While You’re Away
Are you planning to go on vacation this holiday season? Make sure you set your thermostat to at least 55 or higher. Turning the heat down when you go away in the winter is almost like inviting your pipes to burst. By keeping the thermostat turned up, your home will be warm enough to maintain the pipes from freezing and prevent a nasty mess from coming home to.
Outdoor Faucet Issues
Sure, you’ve probably remembered to remove your outdoor hoses and store them for the year. But did you also close the shut-off valve to the outdoor faucets as well? Closing the shut-off valve will prevent water from getting to the outdoor faucets and help to avoid freezing, leaking and bursting pipes in that area.
Call The Plumbing Service Company today for expert holiday plumbing services. Greensboro, NC homeowners, can call (336) 502-8540 today to speak with one of our advisors.