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The cold breeze you’re feeling in the air lately signals the end of summer. With winter rapidly approaching, there are several things homeowners will be doing to keep their homes warm and cosy in preparation for the colder months.
Few people will however be checking their plumbing. After all, isn’t plumbing something you only need to address when you have an actual emergency? Consulting with a plumber Melbourne and other Australian cities’ residents often rely on is the number one way to ensure there’s no plumbing emergency during the winter. This way you’ll save money and have less stress and effort!
Expert Tips to Safeguard Your Plumbing During the Cold Months
Preparing for winter is about a lot more than getting the jackets and jerseys out of storage. Aside from adding extra blankets to your bed, another item to tick off your winter checklist should include your plumbing. Keep reading to find out what plumbing checks you should be doing.
Service the Water Heater
If you’ve lived in Australia for more than 20 minutes in the summer you’ll know there are days when a cold shower is a real treat. However, the dead of winter isn’t one of those times.
The most important item on your plumbing checklist should be to schedule water heater maintenance. Your plumber will drain and check the water heater and repair or replace any worn components. Then you can have peace of mind all will be in order throughout the entire season.
Some common signs that clearly indicate water heater issues, include the following:
- Water temperatures fluctuate between hot and cold
- Discoloured or smelly water from the hot water faucets
- Reduced water flow that isn’t related to any issues with the mains
- Strange hissing or gargling sounds come from the pipes when you open or close the faucets
- The water heater appears to be leaking
Service the Gas Heater
Aside from the hot water system, your gas heater is the most crucial appliance to check. If your heater hasn’t been checked in the last two years, it’s the perfect time to get it serviced.
A properly-functioning gas heater will keep your home warm and comfortable during the icy winter days. In addition, you’ll also be safe against potential gas leaks or other gas-related problems with appliances or with the gas line.
Several signs of a potential faulty gas heater include the following:
- Gas appliances don’t appear to be working correctly or not at all.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can leave members of the household feeling dizzy, drowsy or experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- A smell similar to Sulphur or rotten eggs. This is a result of the Mercaptan chemical that gas companies and manufacturers put in gas to help homeowners identify a potential gas leak.
Repair Any Roof Leaks
Some parts of Australia receive quite a bit of rainfall in the winter months. If you live in one of these areas, you’ll know how frustrating it can be when your roof is leaking.
To avoid costly and lengthy roof repairs during the rainy winter months, have any small leaks repaired timeously. Check the rest of the roof and ensure there are no additional leaks.
Protect Outdoor Faucets if Necessary
Australia is one of those places where when it’s hot, it’s boiling and when it’s cold it’s freezing. There’s a reason it’s often referred to as a land of extremes. With that being said, how much thought do you give to protecting your outdoor faucets?
To avoid damage from the elements, disconnect and drain your garden hoses. You should also shut off water to all your outdoor faucets. If your plumbing is old, speak to your plumbing expert for some additional tips on keeping the outdoor pipes in good working order.
Service Your Stormwater Drainage System
Stormwater drainage systems are crucial in the rainy months. Any systems on your property should be cleaned of leaves, soil and other debris before the rainy season starts. The last thing you need is for your property or the surrounding areas to flood as a result of your stormwater drainage system that’s blocked.
Check Downpipes and Gutters
Clear out your gutters and downpipes of any leaves or plant material. Doing this will minimise overflows and leaks.
During severe rainy weather, blocked gutters can easily pull away from the house. When this happens it’ll cost a small fortune to repair or replace. There may also be additional damage to your roof if you don’t tend to the gutters before the big rain comes.
Final Thought
No one wants to deal with plumbing emergencies in the dead of winter. To avoid any potential weather-related plumbing issues, speak to your local plumber about performing some routine maintenance before the colder period sets in. Doing this will keep your plumbing working well enough to keep your home warm and cosy for winter!
