With the Thanksgiving holiday just past and Christmas right around the corner, home and business owners are preparing to travel to spend time with family, friends, clients, and loved ones. If you are one of the families travelling this holiday season, you may already be getting your to-do list ready to make sure that your home is protected while you are away. Some of the items on your list may include checking your security system and smoke detectors to ensure they are working correctly and asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out on your property and pick up your mail. According to the knowledgeable experts at Orsack Plumbing Company, one area of the home that is often neglected when preparing to travel is your plumbing.
How to Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing
Much like the rest of your home or business, your pipes need to be protected when you leave your home. Damage caused by blockages, freezing temperatures, or corrosion can cause your pipes to burst resulting in damages that costs thousands of dollars to repair. Protecting your pipes while you are away is simple and easy and can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. You can prevent outdoor damage to your pipes by following these simple steps:
1. Disconnect all outdoor hoses which have the potential to freeze back into your pipes. Frozen pipes can burst causing water damage and mold growth.
2. Make sure that your shrubs and trees are carefully maintained to prevent damage to your pipes caused by root growth. Tree roots are capable of growing around your pipes which can cause them to break.
3. Make sure that your gutters are clean and fee of debris. It your property experiences heavy rain while you are away and your gutters are clogged you increase the risk of flooding and water damage within your home
How to Keep Pipes from Freezing
If a break or blockage occurs inside your home the amount of damage can be catastrophic resulting in expensive repairs and replacements. Prevent pipe damage within your home or business by following these easy steps:
1. Take the time to learn where your shut off valve is located and turn off the main water supply while you are away.
2. If you don’t want to turn your water supply off you can insulate your pipes to prevent them from bursting, especially pipes in naturally colder areas of your home such as garages and crawlspaces
3. Check your supply lines before you get ready to travel. Your supply lines can break down over time causing them to leak unchecked while you are away
4. If your home has a sump pump, it should be tested before you leave for the holidays, check the plug, cords and test the breaker to ensure it is working correctly. It’s a good idea to install a backup battery in case your home experiences a power outage during your trip.
Water Pipe Inspections, Repair, Replacement & More in Your Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery, Pinehurst, Egypt & Conroe Texas Home
By following the expert advice from your Orsack Plumbing Company professional, you can avoid damage to your pipes this holiday season. Whether you plan on traveling to visit friends, or if you are travelling for work, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your pipes, drainage system and sewer are protected when you are gone. To learn more about professional plumbing inspections, maintenance and emergency repairs, for your home or business, contact the knowledgeable experts at Orsack Plumbing Company today.