While residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado, enjoy fairly mild winters, there are still a few instances of snow and cold weather each year. And without the proper preparations, your plumbing system could be in real trouble when that happens. As the seasons change, there are a few things people in Colorado Springs can do around the exterior of the house to prevent plumbing problems and costly repairs this winter:
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Put Away Your Garden Hoses and Shut Off the Water Valves
Hoses and sprinkler systems are very helpful in the middle of the summer but should be stored away once winter starts to draw near. Not only are these items far less practical in the cooler months, but they can also actually cause problems with your plumbing. When not in use, there are generally small amounts of water left inside plumbing fixtures and spigots. Because they are located outside of your home, the water is far more likely to freeze, which could, in turn, cause your pipes to leak or burst. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to put away your hoses and, if possible, flush out any leftover water by shutting off the appropriate valve.
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Clear Out Your Gutters
Considering the amount of gunk that somehow finds its way into your gutters, it’s no surprise that this is far from anyone’s favorite chore. However, failing to take care of this before the first snowfall can have unfortunate consequences. The added snow and ice form piles over the debris in your gutters, resulting in blockages that can cause substantial leaks and water damage. Clear your gutters ahead of time to prevent this from becoming a bigger issue later on.
With these two simple steps in preventative maintenance, you can protect your home from winter plumbing emergencies. However, if winter catches you off guard, it’s important to have a professional plumber you can trust to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. That’s why at Hardcastle Home Services, we operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At the first sign of trouble, simply fill out our online form or give us a call at 719-294-1704.
