Winter in the mountains can be quite detrimental. The season experiences freezing temperatures. It also has heavy snowfall and ice buildup. These elements pose serious threats to your home’s plumbing system. One common challenge is frozen pipes. You may also have to deal with hidden leaks.
To prevent such issues, you need to do a post-winter plumbing inspection. This entails checking to see that everything is working as required. This is crucial as it helps spot minor issues. This is way before they turn into major disasters.
This article gives everything you need to know about post-winter plumbing inspections.
Inspect for Frozen or Cracked Pipes
Pipe Inspection In Kitchen For Home Maintenance
During winter, water inside pipes freezes. This is especially true for poorly insulated ones. If water freezes, the result is expansion. This can cause pipes to crack or burst. Unfortunately, this issue can go unnoticed for long. When allowed to go on for quite some time, it has the potential to cause serious water damage. This can affect your home’s foundation. It could even lead to mold growth and wood rot.
To avoid such shortcomings, you need to contemplate doing serious assessments. This is important especially for hard to access areas. It should also be conducted in those places in your home prone to freezing.
Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
These fixtures are constantly exposed to freezing temperatures. For this reason, you can’t afford to ignore them when doing the inspection. Outdoor faucets and hose bibs are prone to cracks and leaks. This is especially true if they are not well winterized. This issue shouldn’t be allowed to go on for long. The main reason is that water can leak into your walls or foundation.
To check on these components, consider turning on each faucet. This first step gives you the chance to watch for signs of reduced water pressure. You might also need to check for dripping or unusual sounds. If you happen to notice such issues, it could mean your pipes are frozen or cracked.
Examine the Water Heater
During winter, your water heater works extra hard. This is so as to keep up with the increased demand. However, this extra strain causes wear and tear. It also leads to sediment buildup and corrosion. It is for these reasons that you need to examine the water heater. You need to check for visible signs of leaks and rust. You should also flush the tank to remove the sediment. This is a crucial measure. The reason behind this is that sediment accumulation minimizes efficiency. This contributes greatly in reducing your unit’s lifespan.
Making sure the water heater is in top condition improves performance. It also helps avoid unexpected cold showers.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
After winter, you need to check for signs of water damage. This should be done to both the interior and exterior of your home. It’s an important step. This is because it can help you discover weaknesses in your plumbing system.
As you do the assessment, look for discolored or stained walls. You should also check for warped or buckling floors. The presence of mold and mildew can also signify potential plumbing issues. Identifying such challenges early on helps you prevent costly repairs in the future.
Check the Sewer Line for Blockages
Winter can also restrict proper flow in your sewer line. This could be caused by debris and ice buildup. When blockages happen, flow is affected. The result here is unpleasant odors and sewage backups. Such issues can be quite difficult and expensive to fix.
Mountain homes are prone to such problems. This is due to the fact that they are surrounded by dense trees and rugged terrain. Such conditions mean your plumbing system is susceptible to root intrusion. It might also be affected by shifting soil.
Most homeowners don’t see the importance of plumbing inspections until it’s too late. If you are a mountain homeowner, this shouldn’t be the case for you. The reason behind this is that mountain homes experience extreme winter conditions. Such harsh weather causes frozen pipes and ice buildups. It also leads to pressure buildups. These elements can cause hidden leaks or bursts. When allowed to go on for some time, the result can be significant damage. This can be quite expensive to fix.
To prevent such issues, it’s important to schedule plumbing inspections. This is especially important after winter. Doing this will help ensure your mountain home stays safe and comfortable throughout the year.
