Harsh winters can be strenuous on the plumbing system of a house. It is essential to carry out certain drain maintenance tasks to prepare for winter. It helps to keep the plumbing system from getting overburdened. Here are the five drain maintenance tasks you should carry out if you want to smooth sailing winter.

Here are five drain maintenance tasks that you can do to get ready for winter:

Clean your gutters

Remove any leaves or debris that may have accumulated in your gutters—cleaning your gutters before winter is essential because clogged drains can cause water to overflow and damage your roof or foundation. When leaves and other debris accumulate in your gutters, they can block the flow of water, causing it to overflow and potentially cause damage to your roof or foundation. In addition, when water overflows from clogged gutters, it can seep into your walls and cause damage to the interior of your home. Cleaning your gutters and unclogging the drain before winter can help prevent these issues and keep your home safe and dry.

Check your downspouts

Checking your downspouts before winter is essential because they help to direct water away from your foundation. If your downspouts are not in good condition or are not leading water away from your foundation, they can cause water to pool near your foundation and potentially cause damage. It is vital in areas that experience heavy snowfall, as the melting snow can add to the water near your foundation. By ensuring that your downspouts are in good condition and directing water away from your foundation, you can help prevent water damage to your home.

Insulate your pipes

Exposed pipes are more likely to freeze in cold weather, so insulating pipes in unheated areas of your home is a good idea. When water freezes inside a pipe, it can cause the pipe to burst, leading to costly repairs. Pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as attics or crawl spaces, are particularly at risk of freezing. By insulating these pipes, you can help to keep them at a consistent temperature and prevent them from freezing. It is crucial in frigid winters, as the risk of frozen pipes is higher.

Fix any leaks

Now is an excellent time to repair any leaks in your plumbing before they have a chance to cause more damage. Water leaking from a pipe or appliance can seep into your walls, floors, or ceiling, causing damage to your home’s structure and potentially leading to mold growth. In addition, leaks can waste a lot of water, leading to higher water bills. By fixing leaks before winter, you can help prevent water damage to your home and save money on your water bills.

Install a sump pump

If your home is prone to flooding, consider installing a sump pump to help protect against water damage. A sump pump is a device installed in a pit in your basement or crawl space, and it helps pump water out of your home and away from the foundation.

Drain maintenance tasks are best left to experts. If you are looking for emergency plumbing services for drain cleaning, call the professionals at Elite Plumbing. They offer 24×7 emergency services and have the tools, experience, and expertise to deal with all plumbing issues. Contact today !