When you’re preparing your home for harsh winter weather, don’t forget to care take of your drains. Frozen pipes, clogs and other drainage issues can lead to serious problems, including property damage. Here are some essential maintenance tips to get your drains ready for winter.
Clean Your Drains
Cleaning your drains is essential to avoid bacteria buildup and keep water flowing freely. Begin this process by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Baking soda is effective at breaking down debris and grease. Follow the baking soda with a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar creates a foaming action that helps remove buildup and odors. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for at least 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to break down deposits and eliminate odors. Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain after the baking soda and vinegar mixture. The hot water helps flush away the loosened debris.
You should also schedule professional drain cleaning. Drain cleaning professionals employ specialized tools and techniques to eliminate debris buildup, which will prevent potential damage to your home plumbing system.
Clear Debris and Leaves
Before the worst winter weather sets in, take the time to clear any debris or leaves from your outdoor drains. Accumulated debris can lead to clogs, preventing proper water flow. Use a gutter scoop or work with a professional plumber to remove any buildup so that water can freely move through your outdoor drainage system.
Check for Leaks
Check for any signs of leaks in your drainage pipes. Leaks can worsen during winter as water freezes and expands. Inspect your pipes for cracks, loose joints, or any visible damage. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent more extensive problems and save you from potential water damage.
Insulate Exposed Drainage Pipes
Cold temperatures can cause water in exposed pipes to freeze, leading to pipe bursts and water damage. Insulate exposed drainage pipes with pipe sleeves. This extra layer of insulation helps keep the pipes warm and prevents freezing.
Use Drain Guards
Place drain guards or screens over your drains to prevent debris and small objects from entering. This is especially important for outdoor drains because they can help prevent clogs that may result from winter storms and fallen leaves.
Consider a Professional Inspection
If you’re uncertain about the condition of your drainage system, or you’ve experienced issues in the past, consider hiring a professional plumber for a thorough inspection. A professional can identify potential problems, perform necessary repairs, and provide advice on how to effectively maintain your drains. Experts recommend scheduling drain inspections once each year for the best results.
Taking the time to implement these maintenance tips will help you prepare your drains for extreme winter weather, so your plumbing system continues to be reliable and efficient throughout the coldest months. To schedule first-rate drain cleaning services in Brighton, CO, call on our team at Royal Services.