Another Ohio winter is on its way, but is your house prepared? One has to wonder what will become of your pipes once a hard freeze comes to Dayton. You would be wise to consider which minor issues could be costing you big come January if left unattended.
For over 20 years we have put our name to the task of safeguarding the plumbing of Greater Dayton homes. The Right Brothers Plumbing & Drains is at your service with a licensed and insured crew that has 150 plus years of experience among them. Should you have any questions on how to ready your home for the season, pick up the phone and speak with us at (937) 884-3540.
There is no better time than fall to put an end to plumbing troubles before the cold of winter can do any more harm. We offer these same pieces of advice to our neighbors in Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights and all of Dayton.
Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: A Matter of Protection
Water in a hose or spigot will not stand the drop in temperature; it freezes and expands. In some cases that is sufficient to put a crack in a pipe behind your wall, damage you may not see till spring. To stave off the first freeze we recommend the following:
- Put away your garden hoses in the garage or indoors after you have disconnected and drained them
- If there is a separate valve on your home, turn off the water to the exterior faucets
- Let the outdoor spigot run to drain what is left
- Put insulated covers on any exposed spigots
- See if there are any leaks or drips that the cold could aggravate
Pipes in Unheated Spaces
The ones in your attic, garage, basement or crawl space are prime candidates for freezing. Some foam pipe sleeves will do the trick; they are easy to put in and do not cost much, yet they ensure water keeps flowing when it gets very cold outside. Make sure to give the pipe on an exterior wall a good look as those are the first to go on a chilly night in Dayton.
Your Water Heater
With the cold water coming in, the unit is put to work harder to compensate during the fall and winter months. It pays to check on it before things get busy. Look for sediment in the bottom of the tank as this is an efficiency killer, or rust and moisture about the base. Listen for any rumbling or popping while it is heating, and note if the water is not getting as hot as it should. Most tanks are good for 8 to 12 years so bear the age of yours in mind. Ours is a team that will be happy to have a look and discuss options if the heater is having trouble.
Drains
Between the cooking and the guests, the kitchen and bathroom drains take a beating in the colder months. What is a slow drain in October can be a complete backup when the family is in town for the holidays. Tackle any sluggish drain now. For a clog that is a habit, hydro jetting or a professional cleaning will put the line right, as opposed to putting off the problem. We can also do a sewer camera inspection to get to the root of a persistent clog.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is tested by the rain in the fall and the thaws of winter. All too often a homeowner is left with a basement full of water before he knows the pump has given out. Put a bucket of water in the pit and see if the pump engages and does its job. If not, you can count on us to be called ahead of the next storm.
Hidden Leaks
Older pipes have their weak spots and the cold will show them. An increase in the water bill for no reason, dampness on a floor or ceiling, mustiness in the closet or a loss of pressure are all signs to be aware of. So is running water from a faucet you have not turned on. We make a point of early leak detection to head off serious damage.
Why not call on The Right Brothers this fall?
Some forethought will see you through the winter in comfort. We are open from 7:30 to 5 Monday to Friday, but for an emergency we are here 24/7, 365 days a year. Seniors and military veterans can expect a 10% discount and we have financing for larger repairs.
To have your plumbing made ready for the winter, contact The Right Brothers Plumbing & Drains at (937) 884-3540 and let us put our experience to work for you.
