Plumbing Basics

Important Precautions Every Home Owner Should Take

The Oklahoma weather is one to always surprise. Chilly fall temperatures serve as a polite reminder that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners and businesses unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold. Here are a few things to help prevent headaches and costly repairs.

Year Round:

Place a small wastebasket in your bathroom so guests do not flush any harmful items such as paper towels or napkins.
Try to avoid loading your garbage disposal with excessive amounts of leftovers in order to keep your sink unclogged.
Grease can also be harmful to your drain so clean greasy items with a paper towel prior to rinsing them off.
Be aware of where your water shut off valve is in case of emergencies.
It is important to check your water pressure at least three times a year. High water pressure can lead to plumbing problems.

In Cold Months:

Make sure outside water hoses are disconnected in order to prevent pipes from bursting.
Walk around your home to ensure all faucets are not dripping and are not cracked. Even small cracks or drips can lead to a pipe burst in these cold months.
Check to make sure your water heater is set to around 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
It always helps to wrap outdoor faucets and indoor pipes in insulation or heating tape during the winter.