Preventative Measures to Protect Plumbing
Many homeowners have found their property damaged by weather we associate with the winter time. Unfortunately, we sometimes miss these damages until they have grown worse and catch our attention--and plumbing damage is one such situation. By being knowledgeable of what parts of your plumbing may be at risk, you can stay on top of your system's condition and intervene as soon as something goes awry--saving you money as well as extending the life of your plumbing in the long run.
The best way to prepare for plumbing issues caused by the weather is to do a routine heating and plumbing check on the whole system. There are a handful of specific parts along your home's system that commonly experience problems that you will want to check. While the problems listed here are usually simple to fix, you will want to consult a plumber for any more serious problems, or if you simply are confused or in need of help.
Most often in the winter, you will find that frozen water is behind a problem with the plumbing. Frozen pipes are prone to bursting, as well as other components within the system. Because it is trapped in a space of a certain time, the water--which expands as it freezes--will add stress to the pipe, trying to find space to expand into.
To see if this has happened to your pipes, you may begin by testing various parts of the system--faucets, spigots and others--seem to be working as they should. Be sure to look under sinks and other pipes for any pools of water or other signs of leakage. Call a plumber at any signs of ice damage, as this is a problem that you will need a professional to fix.
Faucet leakages are easier to manage. Nearly anyone is capable of repairing this leak. The reason for such leaks is almost always a cracked gasket, and new ones may be bought in any hardware store. Despite its ease of fixing, some may still be more comfortable having a professional handle it--so don't be afraid to call your plumber!
You will want to take your inspection outside as well, investigating for any detritus built up in downspouts and gutters that can lead to mildewing or further leaks. Also inspect all vents for any kind of material birds or other animals may use to make nests, as these may cause blockage as well. You need not worry about vents that you cannot reach, as you can hire a plumber Columbia mo to check them for you.
You are cheating yourself if you only call the Columbia plumbers for problems that you have already discovered; they will provide maintenance and preventative services as well. With a good plumber, Columbia residents need not worry about the risks of cold weather on their plumbing.
The best way to prepare for plumbing issues caused by the weather is to do a routine heating and plumbing check on the whole system. There are a handful of specific parts along your home's system that commonly experience problems that you will want to check. While the problems listed here are usually simple to fix, you will want to consult a plumber for any more serious problems, or if you simply are confused or in need of help.
Most often in the winter, you will find that frozen water is behind a problem with the plumbing. Frozen pipes are prone to bursting, as well as other components within the system. Because it is trapped in a space of a certain time, the water--which expands as it freezes--will add stress to the pipe, trying to find space to expand into.
To see if this has happened to your pipes, you may begin by testing various parts of the system--faucets, spigots and others--seem to be working as they should. Be sure to look under sinks and other pipes for any pools of water or other signs of leakage. Call a plumber at any signs of ice damage, as this is a problem that you will need a professional to fix.
Faucet leakages are easier to manage. Nearly anyone is capable of repairing this leak. The reason for such leaks is almost always a cracked gasket, and new ones may be bought in any hardware store. Despite its ease of fixing, some may still be more comfortable having a professional handle it--so don't be afraid to call your plumber!
You will want to take your inspection outside as well, investigating for any detritus built up in downspouts and gutters that can lead to mildewing or further leaks. Also inspect all vents for any kind of material birds or other animals may use to make nests, as these may cause blockage as well. You need not worry about vents that you cannot reach, as you can hire a plumber Columbia mo to check them for you.
You are cheating yourself if you only call the Columbia plumbers for problems that you have already discovered; they will provide maintenance and preventative services as well. With a good plumber, Columbia residents need not worry about the risks of cold weather on their plumbing.