It’s a frosty morning in Minneapolis, the kind where your breath forms icy clouds and the ground crunches beneath your boots. As you shuffle through the snow, your mind wanders to your cozy home awaiting your return. But wait-what about your plumbing?
We’ve got the 411.
Let’s go through the top plumbing maintenance mistakes to avoid during the winter.
Ignoring Leaks
If you see leaks, it can be a major issue-especially when it comes to the winter.
Leaks can occur in many different places, including leaking pipes, faucets, and water heaters, and they should never be ignored. Even small drips can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed before they worsen in the cold weather.
Regularly checking your plumbing system for leaks and promptly addressing any you find is essential for winter maintenance in Minneapolis.
Failing to properly insulate your pipes can lead to freezing and bursting in the cold Minnesota winters. Make sure to insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
Forgetting to Drip Faucets
When temperatures drop below freezing, stagnant water in pipes can freeze and expand, leading to costly bursts and leaks.
Dripping faucets, particularly those connected to exterior walls or in unheated areas, can help prevent this by keeping water flowing. That reduces the likelihood of freezing.
Make it a habit to check Minneapolis weather forecasts regularly during the winter months. When temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, take proactive measures to prevent pipe freezing by dripping faucets and insulating vulnerable pipes.
Not Watching Warning Signs
In the midst of preparing for the cold weather, it’s easy to overlook subtle signs that could indicate underlying problems in your plumbing system.
Ignoring warning signs such as slow drains, unusual odors, or water discoloration can lead to more significant issues down the line, particularly during the harsh winter months.
Some homeowners mistakenly turn off their heating system completely when leaving their homes for an extended period during the winter. While lowering the thermostat to save energy is sensible, shutting off the heat entirely can allow temperatures indoors to plummet.
Overlooking Gutters and Downspouts
When gutters are blocked by leaves, debris, or ice dams, water can accumulate and seep into your home’s foundation, leading to basement flooding and damage to pipes.
Additionally, frozen water in clogged gutters can put pressure on the roof and cause structural issues.
Remove any debris, leaves, or ice buildup to ensure proper drainage away from your home. Consider installing gutter guards or heating cables to prevent ice dams from forming and blocking drainage pathways.
Neglecting Outdoor Pipes
Including outdoor pipes in your winter plumbing maintenance checklist in Minneapolis is essential. Start by disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses and faucets to prevent water from freezing and causing damage to the pipes.
Consider installing insulated covers or wrapping outdoor pipes with heat tape to provide additional protection against freezing temperatures.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance: Now You Know
There’s so much that goes into winter plumbing maintenance. Hopefully, you can now avoid these major plumbing mistakes and keep your home in top shape.
Are you looking for help keeping up with your Minneapolis home? Mr Plumbing and Drains is here for you.
Contact us today.
