How to Avoid a Plumbing Emergency This Valentine’s Day
I’ve seen a lot in my time. Winters so cold our words turned to ice, and our coffee froze while it was still hot. I’ve met the Whirling Whimpus and stomped lakes into creation. Heck, I even found and befriended a giant blue ox. But one of the most gratifying events I ever witnessed was a matter of love. That’s why I like to celebrate Valentine’s Day so much. But before you sit down for a romantic evening, make sure your plumbing’s working. Nothing ruins the mood faster than an emergency.
5 Plumbing Repairs & Changes You Can Make Before Valentine’s Day
1. Fix Minor Leaks
Tiny drips coming from your faucet or pipes end up wasting 3,000 gallons of water a year, which could end up affecting your Valentine’s Day budget.
Over time, leaks cause hazardous mold and heavy floods if any pipes burst. If you’re planning a romantic dinner for two at home, you can save money and potential stress by having those leaks fixed.
2. Winterize Your Pipes
Minnesota has cold winters. I’ve always loved them, but they lead many pipes to freeze. So will the water remaining inside. Water expands when it freezes, causing those pipes to burst. When they burst, hundreds of gallons of water will flood your home.
Contact a plumber to ensure your pipes are in working order. You can also keep your pipes from freezing by using foam or rubber insulation.
3. Locate Your Shutoff Valve
If pipe bursts and a flood occurs, knowing where your shut off valve is will lessen the mess and the damage.
4. Have your Water Heater Flushed
With maintenance, your water heater can last 10 years or more. Heaters with storage-tanks develop sediment buildups over time. These naturally-occurring minerals are made of calcium and magnesium and aren’t dangerous to people. They will, however, make the heater less efficient.
It’ll make a popping or rumbling sound like it’s hungry for flapjacks. But, it’s actually the heater working harder to give you the hot water you need.
By flushing your water heater annually, you’ll keep it running efficiently and extend its life.
5. Commit to Routine Maintenance
One year, my loggers were attacked by giant mosquitos looking for sugar. To combat them, I let loose a swarm of giant bees. Well, you can guess what happened next. The mosquitoes and bees fell in love and got married. You might even be familiar with their offspring: the lightning bug.
You have to commit to routine maintenance on your plumbing the way the mosquitoes and bees did to each other. From your toilet and drains to your faucets and your water heater, take care of plumbing issues before they become problems. I recommend having maintenance done at least once a year.
Before Valentine’s Day, make a date with my technicians who’ll give your plumbing the maintenance it needs. Reach out to them at (612) 340-1444.
