With cooler weather on the way, is your home in order? You may have wondered what a drop in temperature does to your pipes here in the Triangle. Then there is the matter of your water heater; when was the last time it was given an inspection prior to winter?
We at Harmon Plumbing have been of service to families in Durham and the greater Research Triangle since 1989. We are aware that fall is the time to nip small issues in the bud so they do not become a headache come cold weather. Should you have any questions, we are at (984) 646-6770.
North Carolina’s autumn has its share of unpredictability. A summer day one week can give way to a true chill the next. Such is the case with your plumbing this time of year and why it calls for some attention. Take a few simple measures and you will be spared the expense and aggravation down the road.
Why Fall is Important for Your Plumbing
Cold air makes water in your pipes freeze and expand, leading to cracks or a burst pipe. Even with milder winters in the Triangle as opposed to up north, a hard freeze can take a homeowner by surprise. While the weather is still agreeable for being out of doors, fall presents an opening to make ready.
There is nothing complicated about most of your fall plumbing prep. Before the first cold snap we would put these on your list:
- Hose bibs and outdoor faucets
- Exposed piping in the basement, garage or crawl space
- The water heater
- Drains with any leftover debris from the summer
- Sump pumps where applicable
- Piping along an exterior wall
Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Make a start outside. Put your garden hoses away after you have drained them; leaving one on can mean frozen water making its way back into the pipe behind the faucet. An insulated cover for your spigots is a simple and affordable addition. If there is a shutoff for the exterior lines, you might as well close it and let the rest of the water drain.
Exposed Pipes Need Insulating
Unheated spaces put a pipe at risk. A bit of foam insulation over an exposed line is all it takes to ward off the cold, and you should not overlook the garages and crawl spaces which are seldom warm. But our certified plumbers can put their eye on things and tell you where a home in the Triangle is likely to be vulnerable if you are in any doubt.
A Word on the Water Heater
The unit has more to do in the fall and winter. Flushing the tank of sediment is good for efficiency and longevity; besides, no one relishes a cold shower on a morning in Durham. If it is an older model or has been taking its time to heat up, have it seen to before it decides to quit on you. It is better to do a check than to deal with an emergency because the water heater has given out.
Drains
Address any sluggish drains while you are at it. For the kind of buildup that store products cannot handle, we can do a professional cleaning or hydro jetting. A camera inspection will show us what is inside your pipes if there is something more to it.
Leaks You May Not See
They are a waste of water and the damage can go unnoticed until it is of consequence. Be on the lookout for:
- Dampness on a floor or ceiling
- Unexplained increases on the water bill
- Musty odours in a cabinet or crawl space
- Running water you can hear with nothing on
- A drop in pressure
Our leak detection will find the source without having to rip up your home.
When You Need Us
As a locally run, family business we serve not only Durham but Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and other parts of the Triangle. You can reach our office seven days a week between 7:00am and 8:00pm and we have a 24/7 line for emergencies. Free estimates are available as well as financing with flexible plans via Synchrony.
Let Harmon Plumbing get your plumbing in shape for the season. Give us a ring at (984) 646-6770.