What will your pipes do on a January night when the mercury is well below zero? Is your home put to the test of a hard freeze? You might want to consider when you last put some proper time into your plumbing with winter on the way.
You would be in good company if such questions are on your mind. We see it every fall in Central Illinois: by the time the cold makes its presence known, many have been in a rush to put some protection on their plumbing and the harm is already done. Since 1997 Travco Plumbing, Inc. has put an end to that kind of trouble for families in the area. A call to (309) 467-3583 will put us in touch.
But there is no need for that sort of scramble; some autumn preparation will suffice. For those in Eureka, Peoria, Morton, Washington and vicinity we have put together the following tips.
Put Your Outdoor Hoses Away
It is one of the easiest things to do and yet so often ignored. Water in a garden hose or outside faucet is apt to freeze and expand, cracking the pipe that runs back to the house. So before the first freeze, make sure to unhook all hoses, let them dry out and put them away.
For the spigots outside, follow this checklist:
- Fully drain and remove any garden hoses
- Turn off the interior valve to each outdoor faucet
- Open the spigot to get the last of the water out
- Put insulated covers on any exposed faucets
- See if there are any leaks while the weather is still mild
- Bring the hoses and splitters inside for the season
Unheated Spaces Need Some Attention
Pipes in the garage, basement, crawl space or in exterior walls are prime candidates to freeze in a Central Illinois winter and a burst pipe can mean a lot of water damage in short order.
An afternoon spent wrapping up exposed pipes with foam insulation is well worth it. On the very cold nights a bit of a drip from the faucet and an open cabinet door under the sink will keep the water and air moving. Not sure where your vulnerabilities are? We can have a look at them for you.
An Inspection of the Water Heater
With the incoming water being colder, the water heater has more work to do come fall and winter. Take stock of it now and be on the lookout for:
- The hot tap putting out rust colored water
- Any rumbling or popping from the tank
- Puddles at the base of the unit
- Hot water not lasting as long as it did
- An appliance past its ten year mark
Should you spot any of these, do not put it off until you are left without hot water on a chilly morning. Give us a ring.
Sump Pump Test
Your sump pump will be put to the test by the rains and snow melt of the season. There is no better time to find out it has failed than in the middle of a storm and a flooded basement. Put a bucket of water in the pit and verify the pump comes on and shuts down as it should.
Water Quality and Conservation
The certified Green Plumbers in the area, we are mindful of conservation and quality. Our 12-point testing will tell you what is in your water and uncover something you may have missed. We can also suggest some sensible upgrades to cut down on water and energy use ahead of the winter bills.
Leave It to the Pros
You can do some of the maintenance yourself, but for anything requiring expertise a licensed and insured team is the way to go. We are a family business in Eureka, Lic #058-140047, with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau. And we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee to show for it. Most often we can have a problem fixed the day you call.
Make the call to Travco Plumbing, Inc. at (309) 467-3583 and avoid a winter emergency. We are at your service in Eureka, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Deer Creek, Goodfield, Mackinaw, Roanoke, Congerville, Tremont and throughout Central Illinois Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Call us today and face the cold with confidence.