South Florida isn’t prone to blizzards or blustery conditions, but that doesn’t mean residents should neglect their plumbing. The winter months present unique challenges from sudden and unexpected weather and temperature changes and the hectic pace of the holidays, putting added strain on pipes.
Preparation for the occasional cold snap and bustling household is essential to avoid urgent and costly repairs. Part of that involves having your system inspected by a reputable plumbing company in Davie, FL, before the heart of the season strikes.
Credentialed and qualified plumbers perform thorough assessments and repair even the slightest issue to prevent these from escalating and hindering the efficiency and function of the plumbing. Visit 10 Top Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Florida Homeowners – Palm Harbor Happenings – for plumbing tips in Florida homes.
How can you prepare your plumbing for the winter season in South Florida? We’ll offer some tips to help you through what is a busy time of the year.
Winter Plumbing Tips in South Florida
Residents in South Florida usually enjoy a warm and sunny climate even in the winter, but it’s not unheard of for them to experience an occasional cold snap and the associated effects. Many people are unprepared with plumbing planning for the cooler time of the year.
While frozen pipes might be less of a concern, issues such as fluctuating humidity and uptake in plumbing usage with the holidays could lead to more problems with the system. What are some ways residents can get their homes ready for winter in Davie? Consider the following.
The leaks
The plumbing system can experience excessive exertion in the winter months. More people stay home in the warmth when it’s cool, and many have more guests, particularly during the holidays.
Leaders in the plumbing industry, including R&J Plumbing and Backflow Service recommend that residents perform periodic inspections aside from the annual professional assessments and maintenance. Things to check for include:
- Dripping showerheads and faucets
- Check for moisture beneath the sinks
- Shut off the water to see if the meter continues to move. If there is movement, it’s a sign of a leak within the system
Even the slightest leak should be corrected immediately, particularly during the winter. The added stress of the season can cause a leak to escalate rapidly.
In that same vein, before the heart of winter sets in, it’s wise to schedule a preventive assessment and maintenance to ensure no defects need immediate attention.
The outside fixtures and pipes
While extreme temperatures are rare in the winter in South Florida, it is possible for the temperature to drastically drop. This puts outdoor fixtures and pipes at risk. By taking a few small precautions, you can prevent major concerns.
- Cover outdoor spigots
- Drain garden houses and disconnect them to prevent trapped water from freezing
- Drain dormant water from landscaped areas
It’s further suggested to drain sprinkler systems if the temps fall to or below freezing. This will eliminate standing water, which could freeze if neglected.
The water heater
Winter is a time when water heaters struggle the most. This can lead unsuspecting residents to a sudden and unexpected chilled shower. You can avoid this concern by requesting a professional water heater inspection before the temperatures drop.
As a resident, you want to flush the tank to ensure optimal performance. Sediment builds up in the bottom of the unit, but flushing can prevent problems from developing and extend the water heater’s longevity.
After flushing, it’s a good time to also check the unit’s temperature setting. Many are tempted to turn the setting up to enjoy a nice hot shower on cooler days, but the recommendation is to keep it around 120F. This can help to prevent scalding injuries and maintain stable utility costs.
Water heaters note to be the second highest appliance cost for households, accounting for roughly 15 percent of utility expenses. You can save as much as 5 percent by keeping the temperature balanced.
The water pressure
South Florida residents commonly experience water pressure fluctuations, particularly in the winter, as local municipalities strive to accommodate seasonal demands. Low water pressure is a frustration and inconvenience for residents, but it’s not as much of a concern with the plumbing system as high pressure.
Excessively high water pressure stresses the pipes and can eventually cause damage. A small investment in a water pressure gauge from the hardware shop can help you maintain a stable pressure. The ideal range notes to range between 40 and 60.
If fluctuations take the reading above 80 psi, you want to reach out to a professional plumbing company to balance the pressure. Read here a comprehensive guide to plumbing services in Davie.
Final Thought
Quality and qualified plumbing companies strive to prepare customers for winter in Davie, FL. These professional plumbers perform thorough inspections to catch minor defects and correct these for an efficient and consistent plumbing performance.
