Over 70% of Wisconsin households get their drinking water from groundwater. Due to water hardness and quality concerns, many homeowners have invested in whole-house water treatment. The long and very cold winters that are common to the region can cause a great deal of stress on these systems. Let’s explore some tips to mitigate that impact and ensure you enjoy ample clean drinking water throughout the wintertime.
Schedule Annual Maintenance and Winterization
Prepare your system through professional water softener and water purifier maintenance early in the fall. It’s a good idea to have your plumber winterize your home at the same time. That includes draining all exterior lines. If you’ll be away for the winter, your plumber should take your water treatment systems fully offline rather than letting them sit for an extended period.
Add and Replace Insulation
All outdoor water treatment requires insulation to protect it against the freezing cold. Replace any insulation at the earliest signs of deterioration. Indoor equipment may need insulation or even heat cables if it’s near an exterior wall and thus prone to freezing.
Inspect and Replace Filters
Fall is an excellent time to check your filters and replace them as needed. Most water purifiers require annual filter and, if applicable, germicidal light replacement. If you have a prefilter for your well system and/or water softener, it requires replacement as well.
Check Salt Levels and Have Backup Stock on Hand
Check your salt levels and top off as needed. For most systems, the brine tank should be half to two-thirds full. Have enough salt on hand to meet your wintertime water softening needs. That way, you avoid being snowed in and out of salt.
Monitor Water Pressure
Cold weather can lead to lower water pressure, especially with water softeners. If the pressure drops below 40 psi, continued use can damage the system. Disable your water softener until a plumber arrives to perform diagnostics.
Maintain a Thermostat Setting of 55 Degrees or Higher at All Times
Whenever you’re away from home for 48 hours or more, you can save big by lowering your heating. That said, never drop it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Pipes can freeze at lower temperatures, and that pressure buildup can irreparably damage water treatment systems.
Plan for Power Outages
If you have electric-powered water treatment equipment, wintertime power outages are a concern. Have an alternative source of drinking water on hand. For relatively short outages, fill up several glasses before drinking to ensure the water is clear. For outages of a day or longer, it’s recommended that you flush the system before use. If the system has sat for a week or longer, you should schedule professional sanitization.
Don’t leave your systems to chance. To schedule water treatment services in Indianapolis, IN, call JW’s Plumbing or contact us online.