The time for summer to officially transition into fall will soon be upon us. As of Monday, September 22, the autumn season get underway! Fall may feel like a mellow time of year. However, it just so happens to be one of the most important spots on the calendar to be proactive about your home’s plumbing. It’s important to know when to shut off your main water valve. It can help avoid big headaches and costly damages.
It prevents freeze-damage when temperatures drop.
All throughout Durham and the Greater Toronto Area, fall’s night-time and early-morning frosts can wreak havoc on your pipes. This is especially the case when temperatures dip near or below zero. Exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces and exterior walls can freeze, expand and burst. Once a pipe bursts, water flows until the source is cut off. Having the ability to shut off the main supply quickly can limit damage.
When you shut off the main valve and drain water from exposed outlets, you reduce the amount of water in the pipes that could freeze. Naturally, this will protect your pipes from bursting throughout the cold months of the year.
It enables you to make plumbing repairs before the winter sets in.
For many homeowners, fall is a preferred time to do plumbing maintenance. We’re talking about replacing fixtures, insulating pipes, sealing leaks and upgrading valves. Many jobs that involve plumbing require shutting off the main water supply. This step is essential to avoid flooding while work is underway. Doing this work before the cold weather sets in ensures you don’t delay until winter, when mistakes or leaks are riskier and harder to fix.
It’s also worth noting that autumn is a time when sump pumps, outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems experience long periods of low or no use. If any of these fixtures have leaks, corrosion or weak joints, they will be more likely to fail or cause damage when left unattended. For example, leaving exterior hose bibs connected during the cold months of the year can allow cold water to get trapped in lines. Shutting off the water supply can help to avoid this issue.
It protects against extreme weather conditions.
Fall sometimes brings early snow, freezing rain, strong storms or rapid temperature swings. These can damage pipes, ice up exposed plumbing or damage external infrastructure. Being ready gives you control. This is another reason it’s important to know how to shut off the main valve. Heavy rainfall, for example, can present a flooding risk if water is backing up from drains or if sump pumps fail. Shutting off the main valve can help mitigate major damage.
Remember, as well, that when temperatures drop, condensation, moisture and minor slow leaks may go unnoticed until damage accumulates. We’re talking about mould and rot inside your walls, under your floors and behind fixtures. Being able to shut off the main valve limits water flow immediately when something goes wrong. Insurance claims often depend on how quickly damage is discovered and mitigated.
Does your main shut-off valve need a repair or replacement?
Your main shut-off valve is essential for your home’s water safety. If it’s difficult to move or dripping, it’s time to call in the experts. At 2 Bro’s Plumbing, we can repair or replace your main shut-off valve, making sure it operates smoothly when you need it most. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca for a free quote today!
