With the cold months on the way, is your home prepared? You may be concerned over a water heater that will not make it through the first cold morning, or perhaps slow drains and frozen pipes. Then there are the minor plumbing issues you would rather put to rights now than have them become an emergency come winter at great expense.
We of JW’s Plumbing are here to put those worries to rest for homeowners in Greater Indianapolis. John and Maria run our family business and we put in the work to see that your plumbing is in order for the season in Indianapolis as well as Lebanon, Thorntown, Zionsville, Frankfort, Carmel, Whitestown and the communities around us. Put in a call to (317) 751-2995 and you can speak with one of our licensed and certified plumbers.
Central Indiana does not have much of a fall. The moment the thermometer goes down your plumbing is put under stress. Some forethought will spare you a headache down the road, so we have put together what any homeowner in the area ought to be looking at before winter sets in.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
There is no commoner winter emergency than a frozen pipe. When water freezes it expands and the resulting pressure is enough to crack a pipe and flood your home. It is the pipes in unheated areas that tend to cause the most trouble.
A few things will go a long way to protect your pipes as the weather turns:
- Take down your garden hoses and drain them
- If you can, cut off the water to the spigots outside
- Put some foam insulation on exposed pipes in the garage, basement or crawl space
- Any cracks or gaps by the pipes should be sealed to block the cold
- A slight drip from the faucet on a hard night will keep the water in motion
- Do not let the heat drop while you are away
All too often a homeowner is only aware a pipe has frozen when it thaws and begins to leak. Tending to these matters in the fall will do much to mitigate that risk.
Water Heater Maintenance
The winter is hard on a water heater. With colder water coming in the unit is working harder to provide for your laundry, dishes and hot showers. Make sure it is up to snuff this fall.
Some indications the water heater is having difficulty:
- Hot water that is not as hot as it was
- Popping or rumbling out of the tank
- Discoloration or rust in the hot water
- Water at the base of the unit
- An appliance that is past its ten year mark
Sediment in the bottom of the tank is a frequent problem and it robs the unit of efficiency. Should your water heater be showing its age, it is wiser to arrange for a repair or replacement than to be without hot water on a frigid morning. We at JW’s Plumbing do both and can provide same-day service.
Tend to Your Drains
You will be inside more this time of year with guests and cooking, and your drains will feel it. What is a slow drain in October could be clogged by the holidays.
If there is gurgling or water backing up anywhere in the house, it is something to deal with before the season gets busy. Our method of cleaning the lines is free of the chemicals that can be damaging to your pipes.
Your Sewer Line
Debris, grease and tree roots have a way of accumulating in the main sewer line. For a homeowner a backed-up sewer is about as bad as it gets. If the home is of a certain vintage or you have old trees on the property, an inspection in the fall makes good sense.
What Makes Us the Choice for Indianapolis Homeowners
Our team has the depth to handle any job because we do nothing but plumbing. You will find the following with us:
- Plumbers who are trained and hold their licenses and certifications
- PHCC certification and an A from the BBB
- No sticker shock or hidden fees, just honest pricing
- Work that is fully warranted
- Financing for the larger jobs
- Same-day service
We are at your service Monday to Friday from 7:30am until 5:00pm.
There is no need to let a winter emergency dictate your thinking on the matter of your plumbing. Be proactive this fall and give your home the care it is due. Call us at (317) 751-2995 and let the folks at JW’s Plumbing help you face the winter with confidence.