With the cooler months on the way, is your home in good shape? You may want to consider the effect those changes in temperature can have on your pipes. And you should ask yourself when was the last time you really put some scrutiny on your plumbing system.
We of Brotherhood Plumbing are here to see that the plumbing runs without a hitch for homeowners in the Greater Baton Rouge area come what may. We are a locally owned and run business, fully licensed and insured, and at your service 24/7. Do not hesitate to put in a call to (225) 230-6200 should you require our assistance or have any queries.
It is not as if Louisiana has the kind of deep freeze one finds in more northerly states, but do not think your plumbing is off the hook for that reason. The season has its share of trials and a bit of forethought will keep you from trouble down the road.
Why Your Plumbing Needs Some Attention in the Fall
The weather in Baton Rouge has a way of confounding you; it is summer one week and the next you are putting on a jacket. All that seesawing of the thermometer makes pipes expand and contract, enough to work a fitting loose and create a slow leak. Better to put an end to minor matters before they become major ones.
Then there are the holidays to contend with. With all the cooking and entertaining and hot water running, your system will be under more of a strain than normal. It is only sensible to get on top of things now.
An Eye for Leaks
You might let a drip at the faucet or something under the sink go, but in truth you are throwing away water and money. Make a tour of the house and see if you can spot any telltale signs. We recommend looking in these places:
- For dampness or staining in the cabinets below your kitchen and bathroom sinks
- At the base of toilets where you might find discoloration or pooling
- Any exposed pipe in the attic, garage or crawl space
- For rust or moisture about the water heater
- Drips at the hose bibs and outside faucets
Should you see anything amiss, address it while you can rather than let it fester.
Your Water Heater
When the mercury falls the water heater has to put in more effort to supply your laundry and showers with the hotter incoming water. It is worth giving it some care so it is up to the task.
Over the years sediment will make its way to the bottom of the tank and hinder efficiency. A flush of the tank is in order, but we are happy to do it for you if you would rather not. Give us a ring at (225) 230-6200.
Hoses and Outdoor Faucets
Now and then we have a cold night in Baton Rouge that goes below freezing and the outdoor plumbing bears the brunt of it. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a burst pipe in the morning:
- Put the garden hoses away after you have drained them
- Put insulated covers on the outside faucets
- Insulate unheated areas with exposed piping
- Be sure you know where the main shutoff is
- Check the forecast when it is cold out
Drains and What You Put in Them
There is plenty of grease and oil from the big meals of fall and winter making for the drain. As it cools the grease hardens and adheres to the pipes, which is why clogs are so prevalent. Let it cool and put it in the trash bin instead of the sink. The garbage disposal can be clogged by starchy or fibrous fare as well, so use some discretion in the kitchen.
A Job for the Professionals
You can do some of this yourself, but other times it is best to leave it to someone with the training. If you have a clog you cannot budge or a water heater that is not performing, we are there.
Brotherhood Plumbing is at the service of the homeowner in Ascension Parish, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Prairieville, Zachary, Central and beyond in the Greater Baton Rouge area. We give free estimates and respect your home. Call (225) 230-6200 and we will put your mind at ease for the season.
