As temperatures start to fall across Calgary, now is a good time to make sure your home's plumbing and heating systems are ready for the winter months.
A little preparation now can help you avoid some unpleasant surprises when the temperatures really start to drop.
Check Your Outdoor Water Lines
Before freezing temperatures arrive, make sure your outdoor taps and hose connections are properly shut off and drained.
If your home has frost-free outdoor faucets, they should still be checked to make sure they're functioning properly and aren't leaking. Don't forget to disconnect garden hoses as well.
Protect Your Pipes
Cold temperatures can put vulnerable plumbing at risk, particularly pipes located near exterior walls, in garages, crawl spaces, or other unheated areas.
Make sure these areas are properly insulated and that warm air can circulate around exposed plumbing.
Check Your Hot Water System
Your hot water system works hard throughout the winter. Before the cold weather arrives, take a moment to check for signs of leaking, unusual noises, or inconsistent hot water.
If something doesn't seem right, it's better to have it looked at before it becomes a bigger problem.
Have a tankless water heater? Tankless water heaters don't have a storage tank, but they still require regular maintenance. Over time, mineral buildup can affect the system's performance, particularly in areas with harder water.
Consider scheduling a professional service and flush for your tankless water heater to help keep the system operating properly and maintain efficient performance.
Don't Forget About Your Heating System
For homes with boilers or hydronic heating, fall is a good time to make sure the system is ready for another heating season.
Keep an eye out for leaks, unusual noises, or areas of your home that aren't heating properly.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
This one is easy to overlook; until you need it.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe does freeze or burst, knowing how to quickly shut off the water can help limit damage.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Winter in Calgary can bring some serious cold, and your home's plumbing doesn't always get a break.
Taking some time to check your plumbing and heating systems before winter settles in can help you head into the season with a little more peace of mind.
Need help getting your home's plumbing or hydronic system ready for winter? Contact Lynx Mechanical today!