Winter is coming! Consider taking a few steps to “winterize” your house so that when winter arrives, your pipes, faucets and wells will be ready.
Outdoor water faucets, especially ones facing north, can freeze and burst leading to a huge mess and a waste of water. You can buy simple fiberglass pipe sleeves, foam and faucet covers at most hardware stores and install it now rather than waiting until a freeze is upon us.
If you own a home that is on pier and beam, you should look at insulating water pipes that might be exposed to the elements as well.
Also, in case of water emergency, you need to be ready to turn off your water at the meter. The tool you’ll use is called a “water meter valve key” and you can get those at local hardware stores. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it can save lots of damage to your home if you can get the water shut off immediately when a water line is broken and leaking.
Speaking of leaking water, now is also a good time to check for any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets. Fixing leaks is probably the best step you can take to save water and extra dollars on your water bill this winter.
Next, if you have an automatic sprinkler system, turn it off. We are way past the growing season and any kind of small outdoor watering needs you may have should be handled with a hose. And even though you might have the hose out, please don’t use it to “sweep” leaves off of driveways and sidewalks. Rake those leaves into flower beds where they can mulch.
Finally, make sure all family members are using good water-saving habits. Taking shorter showers, not running the water while you brush your teeth, and washing only full loads of clothes and dishes are all key components of a water efficient household.
For those who have a well, the following is a great article from www.WellOwner.org. This important advice could help save you lots of trouble if extreme cold weather appears on the radar over the next few months.
Protect Your Pump
Many well systems are buried deep underground, which provides protection from the cold. But for well owners with above ground plumbing, action should be taken to keep the system insulated and warm. Constructing a small insulated enclosure or pump house that covers the plumbing will help keep the system above 32 degrees and reduce the risk of freezing and other damage. This small “pump house” can save thousands of dollars in repairs and ensure a well operates throughout a cold winter.