If you have outdoor plumbing, you know the risk the harsh Minnesota winters pose for them. MN Plumbing & Home Services can help you maintain your garden hoses and outdoor sinks so you can enjoy your outdoor space without worry. No matter what type of plumbing problem you encounter, you need a service you can rely on. Follow these outdoor hose maintenance tips to prevent summer faucet leaks.
What Qualifies as Outdoor Plumbing?
Outdoor plumbing includes pipes, faucets, or other plumbing features beyond your exterior walls. All homeowners have some form of exterior plumbing, including:
- Sewer lines
- Outdoor shower
- Pipes
- A hose
- Faucets or fixtures
Maintaining Your Outdoor Plumbing Systems
From outdoor showers or fixtures for your outdoor entertaining space to drains for diverting rainwater, follow these tips to care for your plumbing system and your lawn.
Outdoor Faucet
To prevent your faucets from freezing or bursting, follow these tips:
- Regularly inspect the outdoor spigots to ensure water flows freely, especially when connected to a hose.
- If you notice inconsistent water pressure, check the opening for debris or replace the inside valve or aerator.
- Winterize the faucets and connected pipes by insulating them and shutting them off once the temperature drops below freezing (usually late October through late April). You can find the shut-off valve in your basement.
Outdoor Drains
Drains are a crucial part of your outdoor plumbing because they can divert waste water to a pipe that expels it from your lawn. To care for the drains, use the following tips:
- Keep your gutters, downspouts, and other drainage features free of leaves and other debris.
- Clear leaves and debris for exterior window wells
- Prevent the vent pipe on your roof from becoming clogged by checking it regularly for bird’s nests and other clogs.
- Schedule regular inspections.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners that can corrode any pipe.
Outdoor, Shower and Kitchen
While it might seem counterintuitive, keep your outdoor shower and kitchen as dry as possible. This means frequently wiping it down, drying it, and placing an awning or some other covering over it to block the rain. This hinders mold growth which could destroy it.
Use a hose to regularly clear leaves and other debris from accumulating. This helps avoid slipping hazards and protects the tile or other flooring.
Septic Systems and Sewer Line
To care for your septic system and sewer line, follow these best practices:
- Inspect and pump your septic tank every three to five years or more if required.
- Stay vigilant for the smell of sewage in your basement, which indicates you have a clog or an invading tree root.
- Only flush bodily waste and toilet paper down your toilet.
- Keep an eye on how your trees grow to avoid the potential of tree roots piercing your pipe.
Contact MN Plumbing & Home Services to Maintain Your Outdoor Plumbing System
When you need a professional plumber to solve all your outdoor plumbing issues, you won’t find a better partner than MN Plumbing & Home Services. Whether your job requires installation, repair, or maintenance, or even repiping whole home, we can do it all.
To schedule your installation or repairs, call (952) 469-8341.