Serving Washtenaw & Livingston County
Master Plumber License #8111695
Plumbing Contractor License #8003610
Prepping Your Water System For Winter
August 16, 2023
The crisp autumn air signals that winter is just around the corner. If you own a summer home, lake house, or cabin, you're probably familiar with the tradition of closing it down for the winter months. One crucial aspect of this process is winterizing the plumbing system to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Here are expert tips from Aarons Water Heaters to help you ensure your home is prepared for the chilly months ahead:
1. Drain the System
- Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Before starting, ensure that the main water supply to your property is turned off.
- Open All Faucets: Turn on all faucets, both hot and cold, to let any residual water drain out. Don't forget outdoor faucets, showers, and tubs.
- Flush the Toilets: This helps drain the water out of the tanks. Pour a bucket of water into each toilet bowl to force out any remaining water.
2. Water Heater Care
At Aarons Water Heaters, we know how vital this appliance is. Make sure to:
- Turn off the power (if electric) or the gas supply (if gas-powered).
- Connect a hose to the drain valve and let the tank empty out.
- Once drained, disconnect the hose and close the valve.
3. Protect Your Pipes
- Insulate: Protect exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping. This will provide an added layer of defense against freezing temperatures.
- Antifreeze: For homes with a risk of severe freezing, consider using non-toxic antifreeze in the plumbing system. Always consult with a professional before doing so.
4. Check for Drafts
Inspect your home for any drafts, especially in areas with exposed plumbing. Seal off any openings or cracks to prevent cold air from getting inside.
5. Install Heat Tape
For added protection, especially in extremely cold areas, consider using heat tape or heat cables on vulnerable pipes. These devices warm pipes when temperatures drop, preventing freezing.
6. Empty All Holding Tanks
If your summer home has a septic or holding tank system, make sure they are emptied before winter hits. Frozen waste can damage tanks and pipes.
7. Appliances and Fixtures
- Dishwashers and Washing Machines: Disconnect and drain the hoses. If possible, turn off the water supply to these appliances.
- Refrigerators with Water Dispensers/Ice Makers: Turn off the water supply and drain the lines.
8. Professional Inspection
Consider hiring a professional to inspect and winterize your plumbing system. They will have the tools and expertise to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your plumbing system is essential to avoid costly damage and repairs in the spring. A few hours spent preparing can save you thousands in potential damages. If you need assistance or have questions about your water heater as part of this process, the team here at Aarons Water Heaters is here to help.
We wish you a cozy winter season and peace of mind knowing your summer retreat is well-protected.
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As the trusted experts at Aaron's Water Heaters, we understand the importance of a reliable residential water heater, especially during those chilly Michigan winters. Today, we want to dive into a crucial aspect of your water heating system that often goes unnoticed – the valves. Specifically, we'll be comparing ball valves and gate valves, shedding light on their differences and helping you make an informed decision for your replacement water heater installation. The Basics: Before we delve into the specifics of ball and gate valves, let's briefly go over their primary functions. Valves play a pivotal role in controlling the flow of water within your plumbing system. They act as gatekeepers, allowing you to shut off or regulate the water supply to different parts of your home. Ball Valves: Ball valves are recognized for their simplicity and efficiency. They feature a spherical disc inside the valve body, which can be rotated to control the flow of water. When the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, the valve is closed, and when it's parallel, the valve is open. This straightforward design allows for quick and precise control over the water flow, making ball valves a popular choice for many residential applications. Advantages of Ball Valves: * Quick and Easy Operation: Ball valves are known for their user-friendly operation, allowing homeowners to shut off the water supply rapidly in case of emergencies or maintenance. * Durability: The design of ball valves makes them less prone to leaks, ensuring a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
* Reliability: Ball valves provide a tight seal, minimizing the risk of water wastage and maintaining a consistent water flow. Gate Valves: Gate valves, on the other hand, employ a flat or wedge-shaped gate that moves up and down within the valve body. When the gate is raised, water can flow through; when lowered, the valve is closed. While gate valves are also widely used, they differ from ball valves in terms of operation and application. Advantages of Gate Valves: * Full Flow Control: Gate valves offer full, unrestricted flow when fully open, making them suitable for applications where maximum water flow is essential.
* Less Susceptible to Clogs: The straightforward design of gate valves makes them less prone to clogging, ensuring consistent performance over time. Choosing the Right Valve for Your Water Heater (and other plumbing in your home): When it comes to selecting the right valve for your residential water heater in here in Michigan, several factors come into play. Consider the specific requirements of your system, your preferences for ease of use, and the overall functionality you desire. For most homeowners in our region, the simplicity and reliability of ball valves make them an excellent choice. However, if your water heater demands high water flow and you prioritize maximum control, a gate valve might be the better fit. Conclusion: At Aaron's Water Heaters, we prioritize not only delivering top-notch replacement water heater installations but also ensuring you understand the components of your plumbing system. Knowing the difference between ball and gate valves empowers you to make informed decisions for your home. Contact Aaron's Water Heaters today for expert advice and seamless water heater installations tailored to the unique needs of fellow Michigan homeowners. Stay warm and worry-free with Aaron's!
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Ever wonder what that random bare wire is sticking out of the ground near your gas meter or along the foundation of your house? No, someone didn’t forget to connect it to a circuit. Its purpose is safety! Let us explain… The underground infrastructure of our cities and towns is complex, carrying everything from water and gas to electricity and communications. For those in industries such as plumbing, like us at Aaron's Water Heaters, understanding the nuances of this underground world is essential. One such nuance is the use of tracer wires, which play a critical role in locating and identifying these utilities. In Michigan, understanding the color code of these tracer wires is pivotal. Here's a dive into what each color signifies according to the Michigan building code. What are Tracer Wires? Before we delve into the color codes, it's crucial to understand what tracer wires are. They're conductive wires buried alongside underground utilities like water lines, gas lines, or other conduits. These wires make it possible to locate the utilities later using an electronic locator, preventing potential damage to the infrastructure and ensuring safety during any excavation or drilling. Michigan Building Code: Tracer Wire Colors and Their Meanings The Michigan building code adopts the APWA (American Public Works Association) Uniform Color Code for marking underground utilities. Each color represents a different type of utility. Let's break down the significance of each: Red: Electrical power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables. The presence of a red tracer wire usually indicates that there's an electrical utility underground. Caution is advised. Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials. Yellow is a warning color, indicating potential flammable and hazardous materials below. Orange: Communication, alarm or signal lines, and cables or conduit. This color is generally associated with telecommunication lines like phone, internet, or cable TV. Blue: Potable water. Blue tracer wires lead to clean drinking water sources, and it's essential not to contaminate these lines during any work. Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines. Purple indicates non-potable water, used mainly for irrigation or industrial purposes. Green: Sewers and drain lines. Green tracer wires typically show the pathways of waste and stormwater systems. White: Proposed excavation. This color isn't necessarily for a tracer wire but is used in marking to indicate a planned excavation site. Pink: Temporary survey markings. Again, pink might not be associated with a tracer wire directly, but it is important in the realm of excavation and utility mapping. Why is Respecting these Color Codes Important? Mistaking one utility for another can have catastrophic consequences. For example, puncturing a gas line while thinking it's a water line can lead to explosions. Additionally, not locating utilities before digging can result in costly repairs, disrupted services, and potential legal liabilities. Hence, respecting and understanding the color codes is paramount. Final Thoughts While Aaron's Water Heaters specializes in keeping your home's water heating systems optimal, we believe in a holistic understanding of all things related to home infrastructure. Knowledge of underground utilities and the importance of tracer wires is just one aspect of that. If you're undertaking any digging or excavation, always ensure you're aware of the tracer wire color codes in your region. Remember, safety always comes first. Stay informed and ensure any professionals you hire are knowledgeable about the local building codes and best practices. If you have any questions related to water heaters or associated plumbing, don't hesitate to get in touch with Aaron's Water Heaters. We're here to help!
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Disclaimer: The content provided on this website and in posted articles is for educational purposes only.
It is not intended as, and should not be taken as, professional advice or a substitute for specific consultations with qualified professionals. The reader is advised to use the information at their own discretion and risk. Local municipalities and licensed professionals should be consulted before attempting any home utility installations or repairs.