Extreme and fluctuating temperatures affect various materials and substances, weakening or warping them. During winter, the pipes and the water inside them are subjected to freezing temperatures building up pressure.

However, it becomes a greater cause for concern when the water begins to thaw. The fluctuating temperatures will lead the pipes to expand and contract as the water alternates between melting and freezing. Pipes may develop cracks and leakages. The worst-case scenario is that pipes burst and water floods out.

To keep these problems at bay, you need to learn how to prepare your plumbing for the spring thaw.

Plumbing Preparation Tips

Flooding inside your home can do more than damage your property. The risk of electrocution and can also threaten the safety of those within the household. Minimize the risk and dangers of flooding inside your home by sticking to best practices.

• Remove snow from around your home – Create a perimeter around your house that’s free of ice or snow. A clearance of 3 to 4 feet from your house is sufficient. This will prevent melted water from seeping into the foundation during thawing.
• Inspect your piping system – Check your pipes, valves, and faucets for any leaks or moulds. Do not neglect to examine the area surrounding the pipe as well. A damp or unusual stain near the pipe could mean a leak or seepage. For plumbing behind walls, you can check the walls themselves for stains, moisture, or mildew.
• Examine the foundation of your house – Check the foundation for damages like cracks, leaks, or holes. A damaged foundation means that water can seep into your house. If you notice a musty smell or find mildew or mould then there is seepage. Call for a specialist right away to solve that problem.

• Check the drainpipes and gutters – Inspect water pathways for ice or snow build-up and clear them from obstructions. These pathways are important for the thawing process later. A clogged drain will become a problem during thawing.
• Inspect the ground level of your yard – Examine if the ground level of your yard will lead water to flow away and not towards your house. If you find that the ground level will not give you the desired result then consider your grounds for yard levelling or landscape grading.
• Invest in backflow valves – A backflow or backwater valve functions as a failsafe to keep wastewater flowing in only one direction — down the drain. Blockages in the pipes can force water to flow back up. The valve effectively prevents this.

• Invest in a good sump pump – A sump pump removes water from your house and is a great investment to ward against flooding. If you already have one, test it to see if it’s still functioning properly.
• Clear your basement – Even if you have a sump pump, you must still take extra steps against basement flooding. To be safe, clear your basement of things especially the valuable ones and those prone to water damage like important documents. If hard-to-move objects, like appliances, are present, unplug them and place them in an elevated location.
• Prepare essential items – When there is a leak or flooding, you’d need to cut off the power and water supplies. To prepare for this scenario, stock up on water, ready-to-eat food, and other important items, like a flashlight and a couple of extra batteries.
• Prepare a list and contact numbers of repair professionals – In case of an emergency, you must be able to call right away for help. A list of plumbers, piping technicians, and electricians (to name a few) should be handy. With a ready list, you don’t have to waste time browsing the internet or calling people for recommendations. The sooner you can call the specialists the quicker they can respond and address the situation.
• Check the whole house – Since you are already checking and inspecting areas might as well check the whole house from top to bottom. Inspect the roofs, attic, ceiling, walls, and floors. Clear the roof of snow as well.
• Verify your insurance coverage – Find out if flooding is covered by your home’s insurance coverage and policy.

Bonus tip:

To make sure that your house is fully prepared for the thawing, take advantage of professional plumbing services to inspect the pipes in your property. They are fully trained in spotting potential problems with flooding or leaks. Letting them do the inspections will give you peace of mind and can save you time.

Benefits of Regular Preventive Plumbing Inspections

Having your plumbing system checked regularly offers a variety of benefits including:

• Making your house safe – Letting water and electricity come into contact may sometimes lead to death by electrocution. A regular inspection allows you to keep such incidents at bay.
• Ensuring efficient water flow and pressure – Piping problems like leaks and blockages can affect the pressure and flow of the water supply. If you find that the pressure of the shower from your second-floor bathroom is low, chances are there is a problem somewhere in your piping system.
• Preventing plumbing emergencies or repairs – Without regular inspections, you will be unaware of any piping problem. These can worsen over time and catch you off guard. Keep your pipes in check to avoid any inconveniences.
• Prolonging the life of your plumbing – Without the proper maintenance, plumbing systems will degrade faster. Keep your pipes longer by ensuring every part is in good shape and the whole system is in good working order.
• Safe indoor air quality – Seepages and leaks can cause mildew or moulds to grow, which can affect the health of your home’s indoor air. Make sure you’re breathing good quality air by checking for any leaks.
• Water bill reduction – Leaks can cause your water bills to rise. Maintaining your pipes can prevent leaks and keep water loss at a low.

Hiring Plumbing Services

Securing the services of professional plumbers offers convenience, quick resolution to problems, and minimize expenditures in the long run. While hiring them will initially cost you more than doing the repairs yourself, plumbers have the right tools and skills to prevent further issues and damages.

If you’re wondering “Where can I find plumbing services near me?” turn to The Pleasant Plumber Inc. We offer emergency plumbing services 24/7. We provide repairs and other services including installations and upgrades. We are always ready to respond to your plumbing needs. Call us now at (204) 930-9630 or email us at thepleasantplumber@gmail.com.