Insulate Exposed Plumbing Pipes
Check your garage, crawl spaces and any other areas with exposed piping. To do this, you can apply heat tape and/or heat cables that are thermostat controlled around pipes that are prone to freezing and potentially cracking. This will save you from a serious headache.
Check Hoses
In the spring and summer months, we get a lot of use out of our hoses. It’s very important to disconnect hoses for the fall and winter. If left connected, hoses can freeze and expand, which typically leads to pipes in your home freezing and cracking.
Service Your Hot Water Heater
Make sure to flush out your hot water heater to remove corrosion causing build up. Several gallons can be drained from the faucet located at the bottom of the tank. Also, check the pressure relief valve (careful – it’s hot). If a burst of hot water is released, you’re good to go, but it’s always to have a professional take care of these things if you are unfamiliar with this type of maintenance.
Check Exterior Faucets
Make sure there are no dripping or leaking faucets. When the cold months come around, this can lead to the same cracking of pipes we referred to above. This is so easy to avoid and much more difficult to fix if forgotten.
Check Interior Shut Off Valves
Many homes have interior shut off valves with lead to exterior faucets. Make sure you close them and drain any water from the outside lines.
You’ll be happy you did.
Clean Gutters
Gutters fill up fast with the debris that falls during autumn. Make sure your gutters are not blocked by leaves, sticks and other materials to allow for proper and efficient water drainage. Additionally, water that freezes in the winter will eventually thaw and need a place to go. Clean gutters let this happen effectively.
Sump Pump & Pit Maintenance
If your pump is exposed to extreme cold temperatures, this can prevent the pump from operating correctly, and even at all. This is an expensive repair if neglected, so we suggest you call Levine & Sons for this one.
Seal Air Leaks
If there are cracks in your windows and doors, cool air will be able to travel into your home, wasting energy and throwing off the possibility of a truly balanced home temperature. Reduce the possibility for cold air to penetrate and inspect your doors and windows thoroughly.