Top 3 Fall Home Maintenance Disasters
When the seasons change from summer to fall, there are many things San Jose homeowners need to have done to ensure their homes are ready for colder temperatures.
One of the most important is an inspection of the home’s plumbing system, which will ensure anything that needs to be serviced will be done so prior to an emergency situation occurring.
Otherwise, a person could find themselves calling on the services of a plumber in the middle of a cold winter night, which usually results in a large repair bill as well. To guard against this, there are many things to do to help avoid a fall maintenance disaster.
Inspecting Pipes
Inspecting PipesWhen cold weather arrives, a home’s pipes can be very prone to freezing and potentially bursting.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect a home’s pipes for any cracks, corrosion, or other damage that may put them at risk.
Any pipes that are found to be damaged should be either repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.
In addition, any pipes that are on the outside of the walls, such as those in basements, garages, or crawlspaces, should be properly insulated by having either heat tape or Styrofoam insulation wrapped around them to prevent freezing and bursting.
Water Valves
Along with a San Jose home’s pipes, the water valves should also be inspected by a plumber to ensure they are in good condition. Of great importance is the home’s main water valve, which should always be in top shape and shut off if homeowners are planning to be gone for an extended period of time.
Along with being shut off, the system should be drained by opening faucets at both the highest and lowest points in the house. As an added precaution, the heating system should be set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure no freezing occurs.
Water Heater Thermostat
Responsible for controlling the water temperature, the water heater’s thermostat is vital to its performance. Therefore, it should be inspected by a plumber to ensure it is functioning properly and does not need to be replaced.
Once it is determined the thermostat is fit for duty, it should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the heater is working at a level of optimum performance.
By making sure pipes, valves, and thermostats are in good shape, a fall home maintenance disaster can be easily avoided.
If it can go wrong, it will – unless you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call Genmor Plumbing Inc. at 408-215-4612 to get your San Jose, CA home inspected.
