The Holidays can be the most wonderful time of year and the most important time to make sure the inside and outside of your property is prepared for the coldest months to come. If we were to discuss our favorite winter traditions, it’s safe to say that a backflow disaster wouldn’t be one of them. Read our checklist below to ensure that your property is prepared for the winter months, so you can spend your time enjoying your favorite parts of the season.

Backflow Testing

Backflow testing is imperative to maintaining water quality at your house or business. Backflow is when water travels backwards through the system with potential contaminants. This can happen due to a drop in pressure within the water supply, like a water main break or another sudden drop in pressure. This is extremely dangerous in a home setting, because you are at risk of drinking polluted water, which poses a danger to your health. This is dangerous for a business like a restaurant because contaminated water could be affecting your patrons. If you are unsure of whether your property is up to date with annual testing, set up an appointment with us and we will send a certified backflow tester out to assist you. Call us at 708-389-5600 to schedule your test today, or visit https://chicagobackflow.com/scheduling/ and check this to-do off your winter checklist!

Be Proactive

It is not too late! There is still time to winterize your home to avoid plumbing disasters. The best ways to be proactive are by preparing the outside as well as the inside of your home. Especially if you are leaving your home for a holiday vacation or getaway, it is important to make sure you have taken the necessary precautions to avoid a winter weather plumbing disaster while you are gone.

  • Insulate the exposed piping or plumbing on the outside of your home
  • If you are leaving for an extended period of time, keep your cabinets open to expose pipes to warmer air and make sure your home stays above 50 degrees to avoid indoor pipes freezing or bursting
  • Disconnect hoses
  • Inspect sewer lines and pre-pump your septic tank before the winter months
  • Drain water lines

Check Your Furnace Filters

If you have a furnace to keep your property warm and cozy in the winter, a dirty and clogged filter can prevent your home from heating properly. Contaminants can accumulate and damage the performance of your equipment, causing damage to the components. As the HVAC system continues to run when the filters are clogged, the air does not move through the system properly.

Inspect Your Roof

It is recommended to have your roof inspected twice a year to be checked for any signs of damage. Whether you hire a professional, or check it yourself, observing potential problems, such as damaged or missing shingles, could help to avoid a much larger problem and more expensive repairs, or replacements, down the road. It is important to make any necessary small or minor repairs prior to the sleet, snow, and ice of winter arriving.

Maintaining your property for winter can be extensive. Chicago Backflow can help you with imperative backflow testing, maintenance, installation, repair, and any backflow emergencies you may encounter. Want to learn more about backflow? Check out our Learn More section here, https://chicagobackflow.com/backflow-device-knowledge/.