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5 Home Winterization Tips

As the holidays get closer and closer, the last thing any person wants to be dealing with is a Winchester home maintenance problem. Whether it would be a pipe bursting in the middle of the night or a water heater that dies, it’s a sure thing that they will result in large amounts of time and money being wasted.

To ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, there are many home winterization tips that can be done to keep any house ready for winter weather.

Winchester, VA Winterization Tip ServicesOutside Water Faucets and Hoses

During cold weather, outside water faucets are often overlooked. But just like inside water faucets, outside faucets can freeze and cause substantial problems.

If the faucet freezes, the water inside the pipe will also freeze and put pressure on the pipe. When this happens, the pipe will burst and begin to let the wall fill with water.

This can result in a sizable repair bill as well as extensive water damage, so it’s best to have a plumber inspect the pipes for any cracks or rust prior to winter. In addition, any hoses connected to the faucets should be disconnected to keep them from freezing and bursting as well.

Pressure Relief Valve

All water heaters have a pressure relief valve that should be tested on a regular basis. However, that’s rarely the case. As a result, the valve can become corroded over time and fail to work properly.

When this happens, it can lead to water leaking from the heater, which can cause water damage as well as present a danger since the water is extremely hot.

A licensed plumber should inspect the valve by lifting up on it and letting it snap back in place. If this doesn’t happen, the valve and perhaps the heater itself will need to be replaced.

Insulate Pipes and Faucets

Pipes that are on the outside of walls should always be inspected for signs of leakage prior to winter. In addition, they should be insulated to make sure they do not freeze and burst.

Styrofoam pipe insulation or heating tape can be used in most cases, although some pipes may need thermostat-controlled heating cables laid directly on them to keep them from freezing.

In addition to this, all faucets outside the Winchester home should also be insulated using Styrofoam faucet insulation. A plumber can inspect and install this insulation to ensure it is done properly.

Winter is almost upon us in the Winchester, VA area. To get the best advice on winterizing your home, call Powells Plumbing at 540-665-8196 today!

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