Getting Faucets, Hoses, and Sprinkler Systems Ready for the Fall
It’s getting cold out and that means that it’s time to make sure that your faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems are ready for the fall.
Fall plumbing maintenance in Philadelphia is a necessity and it’s important to start this maintenance early before the winter weather sets in.
Here are some of the most important fall plumbing tips to make sure you’re secure for the cooler months ahead.
Prepping the Outdoor Faucet
Before you start working on the outdoor faucet, check that any attachments or hoses are disconnected and that any remaining water in the hoses has been drained.
The internal shut-off valve that is connected to the outdoor faucet should be turned off after your final use. Keep in mind that you’ll want to do this after you’ve completed any other fall home maintenance tasks that you would’ve needed the faucet for.
Once the outdoor faucet has been drained and turned off, the next step is to protect it with Styrofoam or another insulator. This protects the faucet from freezing temperatures, so there isn’t a crack when you go to use it in the spring.
Hose Maintenance
Like the outdoor faucet, you’ll want to make sure any lingering water in the hose has been drained.
You want it completely dry before you remove it and put it away for storage.
Leaving water in the hose accidentally at freezing temperatures can cause it to freeze and crack, damaging the hose beyond repair.
Sprinkler Systems
Your sprinkler systems need to be prepped, also, so that you don’t have a large system repair or outdoor faucet repair bill in the spring. Once you’re done with your sprinkler system for the fall, you need to immediately disconnect it from the main water source.
You do not want any chance of water lingering in the system for the same reasons as above — it will freeze and cause extensive damage and require pipe repair. This is a good time to drain the system and make sure there isn’t any lingering water in the pipes.
After the systems have been disconnected, you’ll need to move forward with removing any additional parts like the filters, timers, and anything else that can be disconnected. Store them indoors in a shed or your garage through the winter months to protect them from the elements.
An essential fall plumbing tip is to seal off the sprinkler systems. Best practice would be to use inserts made specifically for your system so that it fits snugly into the openings.
Sealing off these ends keeps moisture, dirt, debris, and even insects from getting into the system and causing damage.
Take Care of Your Fall Plumbing Maintenance in Philadelphia with Greater Works Plumbing!
Being able to prevent outdoor faucet repair or other damage to your plumbing system comes with good maintenance practice.
If you aren’t sure what to do, or just want a team that knows what fall plumbing maintenance in Philadelphia means, contact us today at Greater Works Plumbing.