You\u2019ve heard all the tips to prep your pipes for potential damage in the winter\u2013clean out excess water, insulate where needed, turn off exterior faucets\u2013 but did you know that you should also go through a checklist when transitioning to the warmer weather?<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s always a relief to get through a cold snap without experiencing a burst pipe or power outage.\u00a0 But even if you get through the colder seasons without any major damage, there might be lingering damage that is hard to spot around your property. Be on the lookout for leaks or cracks in your pipes that need to be fixed before developing into a greater problem.<\/p>\n
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A hot shower feels great during the cold weather\u2013especially in Minnesota. Having hot water at your disposal in the winter means you might need to turn up your water heater, but once the cold recedes, you won\u2019t need to use as much energy to compensate for colder temps. Now that the worst of the season\u2019s icy temps are over, it\u2019s safe to turn your water heater\u2019s temperature back down and save a few dollars on your electric bill.<\/p>\n
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Certain trees and plants can go dormant during the winter. Once the warmer weather returns, roots expanding and looking for water after the ground thaws can damage your underground pipes or septic system causing blockages or sewage backup. Symptoms of root damage to pipes include:<\/p>\n
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Spring flooding and melting snow can add excess moisture to your home (often resulting in mold growth) but it can also become too much for your septic system to handle and cause sewer or drain overflows<\/a>. You can prevent this from happening with a few steps:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n