With the cold weather coming, have you given any thought to how your plumbing will fare? You would be wise to put right those minor issues that are prone to becoming costly emergencies once winter has set in on Northeast Kansas. And can you say with certainty your pipes are in order for a hard freeze?
We of Preferred Plumbing Professionals make it our business to see that homeowners in Topeka and Shawnee County are prepared for what is ahead. Our licensed and insured staff is on hand 24 hours a day; we were established in 2019 with the idea of providing quality work without the exorbitant price tag. Should you want to discuss any of the following advice, give us a ring at (785) 566-5055.
There is no better time than fall to put in some effort. What you do in the way of maintenance now could well spare you from a water heater giving out or a pipe bursting come January. We would put forward these as the places Topeka-area residents should be looking at before the season turns.
A Word on Pipe Protection
One does not have to wait long for a Kansas winter to make itself known. An unguarded pipe is the usual reason for an emergency in cold weather. The freezing of water within the pipe puts pressure on the walls until they crack. You may not see it until the ice has gone and the water is running free.
To forestall such trouble:
- Put insulation on any pipes in the garage, basement or crawl space
- Drain and put away garden hoses ahead of the first freeze
- Where you can, turn off the water to spigots outside
- Any cracks or gaps that admit cold air near a pipe should be sealed
- Do not let the heat go when you are away from home
You can do most of this in an afternoon and for a good deal less than the cost of putting in order the damage from a broken pipe.
Your Water Heater
The unit will be under more strain in the winter and fall months as it has to run longer to offset the colder water coming in. That is when you are likely to notice something that was not there in the summer.
Be on the lookout for rumbling, popping, hot water that is not up to spec, discolored water or dampness at the tank’s base. Sediment is often the cause of the added work the heater has to do. If it is showing its age or otherwise misbehaving, you are better off dealing with it than having to stand in a cold shower one morning in December. For residential or commercial properties we do repair and replacement and can tell you if a new water heater is warranted.
Sump Pumps
Heavy storms will test your sump pump and if it is not up to the task your basement and what is in it could be under water. Make a habit of testing it in the fall.
Put a bucket of water in the pit and see that the pump comes on to clear it and then goes off by itself. Any odd noise or reluctance to start means it needs attention. We service and install sump pumps in and around Topeka, Tecumseh, Berryton and Pauline. It is a shame so many only consider the pump after a flood has occurred.
Leaks
It is all too easy to put off tending to a small leak until it has done some damage or put a dent in your water bill. As the weather cools and joints move, old leaks can get worse. Take a look about the water heater, under the sinks and toilets. A hidden leak will also manifest itself in an unexplained rise in your bill or the sound of running water with nothing turned on. We have a leak detection service that will find the source of the problem without making a mess of your home.
Gas Lines
When you put the gas appliances to use for the winter you want to be sure the lines are in good shape. A corroded line is not something to chance on the year’s coldest night. At the first whiff of gas or any other suspicion, vacate the area and call us. We are available seven days a week for homes and businesses alike.
Let Preferred Plumbing Professionals put your mind at ease this winter. We are ready to track down a leak, put a sump pump through its paces or check your water heater anywhere in Topeka and Shawnee County. Call us at (785) 566-5055 and you will be going into the season with confidence.