With the cold months on the horizon, is your home in good order? One has to wonder about frozen pipes as the mercury falls in the Tri-State. And when a hard freeze comes to La Crosse, do you know what needs tending to?

You have come to the right place if such things are on your mind. We of K & H Plumbing, LLC are here to help. A veteran-owned and run operation out of La Crosse, WI, we put our services at the disposal of residents in Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, Bangor, Viroqua and over in Minnesota, Winona and La Crescent. Give us a ring at (608) 903-8814 any hour of the day or night.

In this part of the country there is no season more consequential for your home’s plumbing than fall. The weather can change in an instant; act now and you will be spared some costly repairs and trouble when winter makes itself known. Some advice for getting your plumbing in shape:

Avert Frozen Pipes

There is no greater worry in a Wisconsin winter than a frozen pipe. The water will expand as it freezes and put enough pressure on the pipe to crack or burst it, flooding the house in minutes. Guard against that this fall by way of these measures:

• Put insulation on exposed pipes in the attic, garage, basement or crawl space
• Make sure to drain and put away garden hoses ahead of the first freeze
• Turn off the supply to outside faucets and let the lines go dry
• Any cracks where cold air might get to the pipes should be sealed
• Do not let the thermostat vary too much when you are not home
• In very cold weather, a dripping faucet will keep the water in motion

Do this and you can rest easy when the temperature takes a nosedive.

Water Heater Maintenance

The unit has to work overtime in the colder months to warm up the incoming water for your dishes and shower. It is also when a water heater that has been left to its own devices is apt to give out.

Have a look at it before the cold arrives. You want to see if there is rust or water pooling at the base. Popping or rumbling could mean sediment in the tank. For an older model that is not performing well, an inspection is in order so as not to be without hot water on a frigid morning.

Outdoor Fixtures

Leave water in an outdoor spigot or sprinkler system and it will freeze and do damage you will only discover in the spring. Go about the property and shut off the valves to all outdoor sources, draining them and putting covers on the faucets as you see fit. An irrigation system should be blown out and winterized to leave no water in the lines.

Drains and Gutters

Leaves are bound to clog things up. If the gutters are blocked the water is going to head for your foundation and from there to the basement.

Some easy rules to follow:

• Debris and leaves have to be removed from downspouts and gutters
• Downspouts must be pointed away from the foundation
• See if the floor drains in the basement are running slow
• Kitchen drains are not for food scraps or grease
• Put some water through a drain that is not often used to fill the trap

You will be glad you did once the snow starts to melt.

Locate the Main Shutoff

An obvious one but it gets forgotten. Should a pipe go, being able to turn off the water in a hurry will prevent major damage. Everyone in the house ought to know where the valve is. Check that it is not corroded or stiff; if it is, have someone take a look at it.

For Professional Assistance

All the preparation in the world does not always suffice and you need a professional to call on. Be it a clog you cannot budge or an emergency in the middle of the night, K & H Plumbing is at your service. We provide free estimates and are proud to be of service to the La Crosse Tri-State area for both commercial and residential clients.

Let our team at K & H Plumbing, LLC put your mind at ease. Call (608) 903-8814 and we will have your home set for winter.