- Pipes must be protected
Water freezes quite quickly when temperatures drop and as water expands when it freezes, it has enormous strength and finds the weakest part of your pipes and the pipes literally burst at the seams. Causing a flood of massive proportions or a small flood which can go undetected for days and causing terrible damage to floors, walls, carpets, rugs, furniture.
To alleviate this issue, your pipes must be insulated, every pipe must be insulated and a foam insulation works a treat. Easily bought from your local shop or store. It is simple to apply, just cut it to length, open it up and push it over and secure it with tape.
- Fix leaks now
It is always better to get leaks fixed as soon as you see them, if you wait then it is usually a bit of a disaster. Check all rooms with water, kitchen, bathroom, utility room for any drips, wetness, anything that may resemble water. And anything you may see, fix straight away or get a plumber in.
- Hot water heater drainage
If hard water is an issue in your area, you really need to drain your tank as rust will grow and get into your water system and be there in drinking and bathing water. Look to have it checked out now before it causes an issue.
- That outdoor hose, pack it away
Any garden hoses, have to go away, if they are left out and freeze, they will expand into the house if connected and blow the seams off of your pipes. So, this is an easy one, disconnect it now. And reconnect when the weather warms up.
- All shut-off valves leading outdoors need to be drained
Close off all valves connected to outdoors and drain them now. If there is any water left in them, it will freeze and cause damage for sure.
- The sump pump and area it sits in
Again this needs to be inspected and cleaned out, when it gets cold the pump may freeze ad damage itself. So inspect it now and sort out any issues before it is too late.
These tips will help you stay flood free over the winter and if you do get a flood, then the problem is bad, because your floors, carpets, rugs, walls and furniture gets ruined so fast. Our next tip is if you do get a flood, call out a professional cleaning company quickly, they have the right equipment to clear up the water and dry it out as that is what the do.