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Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on both outdoor and indoor plumbing. That’s why it’s imperative to take some precautionary steps before Winter in order to prevent a frozen pipe catastrophe. Outdoor water valves You’ll want to make sure all outdoor water valves are turned off and all hoses are empty and detached. Hoses should be stored for Winter and insulated covers added to spigots. These can be found at your local hardware store or provided by your trusted plumber. Open cabinet doors For pipes that run along the exterior of your home, it’s a good idea to open cabinets under faucets during freezing spells to help keep the pipes at room temperature. Close crawl space vents and garage door Open spaces such as the crawl space can allow cold air to get in and affect nearby pipes. Be sure to block off any spaces that are open to outside air and keep your garage door closed as much as possible when the temperature is below freezing. Thermostat You’ll want to keep your thermostat at a regular temperature to prevent fluctuations that could affect your plumbing. If you leave town for a winter vacation, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees to prevent freezing. Insulate pipes Pipe insulation is another good way to ensure your pipes remain in good working condition all year long. This can be done on your own using pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation strips from your local hardware store or you can call us in for professional help. If you’re going to DIY this project, be sure you use protective wear when handling fiberglass insulation and accurately measure and cut the protective materials to fit the pipes securely. If the task of winterizing your pipes seems a bit daunting or you just don’t have the time, give our experienced team at Genesis Plumbing a call and we’ll handle it for you.

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Spring has sprung and unfortunately that could mean some of your pipes have as well. Winter wreaks havoc on pipes and not always in ways that are immediately visible. Here are six signs you’ve got a leak hiding behind your walls 1. A decrease in water pressure If you’ve noticed your water pressure is suddenly less than it used to be, and it’s not because you’re competing with an exuberant shower hog, chances are it’s because water is being diverted elsewhere through a leaky pipe. 2. A soggy spot in your lawn If there is a soggy spot in your lawn when it hasn’t rained recently and no one accidentally left the sprinklers running, you probably have a leak in the pipes running to your house. Or, if it is a low spot in your yard, it could be time to have a French Drain installed. Our experts at Genesis Plumbing will be able to quickly locate the issue and let you know the most effective repair options for your outside pipes and grading. 3. A musty smell in the house If you walk into a room in your house and it suddenly smells like you’ve entered a mummy’s tomb, there’s probably mold in that room which would stem from a hidden source of moisture. While it’s tempting to go all Indiana Jones in order to find the source, it’s best to leave the tomb raiding to the professionals. 4. Visible mold or mildew If there’s mold or mildew you can see growing in your home, there’s a water source for it somewhere. It’s time to call for professional help when mold is involved (while wearing your Indiana Jones hat if it makes you feel better of course). 5. Stains on your ceiling While staring at the ceiling isn’t something we do often, at least not that we’d admit, it’s a good idea to regularly check for signs of water after a harsh winter. If you’ve noticed any discolored spots, it probably means there’s been a water leak. 6. New cracks in your foundation While most foundations shift a bit here and there and tiny cracks are normal, noticing any sizable new ones can indicate there’s a water problem that should be addressed. If you suspect you have a leaky pipe, the first thing to do is shut off your main water supply to prevent further damage. If the water supply has been turned off and your water meter is still running, it’s time to call for professional help. Once the leak has been found and repaired, it’s a good idea to get set up with a regular maintenance and inspection plan to prevent leaks in the future. At Genesis Plumbing, our experienced plumbers will make sure your plumbing is in top working order so you can get back to full pressure showers and clean smelling rooms in no time!

Those flushable wipes are so convenient and refreshing, but at what cost to your sewer system?