The cold weather is finally starting to dissipate, and we can all start to come out of our winter hibernation. This also means it is time to start de-winterizing our homes. One of the most important things is de-winterize your plumbing and appliances. Here we will discuss how to do that safely and effectively. So how do you de-winterize?
1. Turn on the Faucets
This is probably the most important step in de-winterizing your plumbing. You want to ensure that all the water is out of the pipes before using them again. Otherwise, you run the risk of them freezing and bursting. So, turn on all the faucets in your home and let them run for a few minutes.
If you have an outdoor faucet, it is also a good idea to open it up and let any water that may be trapped inside drain out. Just close it tightly when you are finished so that no pests can get into your home.
2. Check for Leaks
Now that the water is running through the pipes again, it is good to check for leaks. Go around to all the faucets and fixtures in your home and ensure there are no drips or leaks. If you find a leak, you will want to have it repaired as soon as possible. A small drip can waste a lot of water and cause your utility bills to go up.
It is also good to check your toilets to ensure they are not leaking. Check around the tank of the toilet and around its bases for leaks.
High 5 Plumbing offers a full range of services in plumbing, including repairs around Denver. If you need plumbing repairs in Denver, we are your go-to company.
3. Inspect the Water Heater
After the long winter, it is good to inspect your water heater to ensure it is still in good working condition. Check for any rust or corrosion and ensure that all the connections are tight. If you find anything that looks out of place, you will want to have a professional look at it.
It is also a good idea to flush out your water heater to eliminate any sediment that may have built up over the winter. Sediment can cause your water heater to work less efficiently and shorten its lifespan. You can flush it out by attaching a hose to the drain valve and letting all the water run out until it is clear.
4. Clean Gutters
The gutters on your home play an important role in protecting it from water damage. When they are full of leaves and debris, they can’t do their job properly. So, one of the things you need to do to de-winterize your home is to clean out the gutters. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it.
Cleaning the gutters will also help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and even lead to leaks in your home. So, it is worth taking the time to clean them out.
5. Inspect the Sump Pump
The sump pump is an important part of your home’s plumbing system. It is responsible for pumping water out of the basement in case of a flood. So, it is something you want to make sure is in good working condition.
To inspect the sump pump, start by checking the power cord and ensuring it is not frayed or damaged. Then, check the float switch to make sure it moves up and down freely. Finally, pour a bucket of water into the pit and ensure that the pump turns on and starts pumping the water out.
6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter is a good time to check your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are crucial for keeping your family safe from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure that all the detectors in your home are in working order and have fresh batteries. It is also good to test them to ensure they are working correctly.
7. Light Gas Appliances
If you have any gas appliances in your home, such as a furnace or stove, you will need to light them before using them again. This is a simple process, but if you are not familiar with it, you should hire a professional to do it for you. Lighting a gas appliance without proper training can be very dangerous.
8. Inspect the Chimney
If you have a fireplace, you will need to inspect the chimney before using it again. Look for any cracks or damage and ensure no debris blocks the flue. If you find anything that looks out of place, you should hire a professional to look at it.
9. Reprogram the Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat, you will need to reprogram it for the warmer months. You will want the AC to turn on to cool your home but to maintain a higher temperature setting when you’re not home. Doing this will help you save money on your energy bill.
10. Turn on Electrical Circuits
After the long winter, it is a good idea to turn on all the electrical circuits in your home. This includes the ones you may not use very often, such as the outdoor lights or the basement outlets. Turning them on will help you detect any repairs that you may need to make.
11. Clean out Dryer Vents
Another thing that is often overlooked in de-winterizing your home is to clean out the dryer vents. Lint build-up in these vents can be a fire hazard. So, it is something you want to take care of. You can hire a professional to do it for you, or you can do it yourself with a vacuum cleaner.
12. Get an HVAC Inspection
Even if your furnace worked well all winter long, it’s still a good idea to get an HVAC inspection before the warmer months. This will help ensure that your furnace is still in good working condition and that there are no potential problems. An HVAC inspection is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward process, so there’s no reason not to do it.
13. Change Batteries in Clocks and Other Electronics
Now that you’ve taken care of the big stuff, it’s time to focus on the little things. Start changing the batteries in all your devices within your home. This will help ensure that your old batteries don’t stay too long in a device and begin to corrode.
Conclusion
De-winterizing your home in Denver, CO, and the surrounding areas is a crucial part of preparing for the warmer months. By taking the time to do this now, you can avoid any problems later. At High 5 Plumbing, we care for all your plumbing needs, from burst pipes to drain cleaning and repair to sump pumps. We also have experience installing a huge range of water heaters and other appliances. Contact us for inquiries on how we can help you.
