A Snow-Season Plumbing Checklist for Ogden Homes
In Ogden, snow usually arrives in late October or early November and hangs on into April. That's a long stretch for pipes to survive, so a little prep goes a long way.
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Disconnect and drain garden hoses, close any indoor shut-offs to outdoor taps and open the taps to drain them. Shut down and drain the sprinkler system and protect the backflow assembly. These are the most common spring repairs after a hard winter.
Seal the drafts
Cold air leaking in around the rim joist, crawl space vents and pipe openings is what freezes pipes. Seal gaps with appropriate sealant or insulation, and close crawl space vents for winter. Insulate pipes in garages and along exterior walls.
Check the water heater
Winter water arrives colder, so the heater works harder. Check its age on the label, drain a little from the bottom to clear sediment and look for leaks or rust before the cold settles in.
Know your shut-off
Find the main valve, make sure it turns and show everyone in the house where it is. Keep the area around it clear.
On the coldest nights
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls and let a faucet drip slightly. Keep the thermostat steady overnight, and keep the heat on if you travel.
If something goes wrong
If a pipe freezes or bursts, close the main and see winter pipe repair.
If you travel
Keep the heat on at a safe setting and ask someone to check the house. For long trips, consider closing the main and draining the lines.
Snow and roof vents
Heavy snow and ice can cover plumbing vents on the roof. A blocked vent makes drains gurgle and can push sewer smells into the house. If that happens after a big storm, a blocked vent is a likely cause.
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