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Why Pre-Season Heating & Plumbing Checks are Crucial

Heating season is upon us. Have you had your pre-season annual maintenance done? If not, now is the time to get it done, before it gets too cold. A pre-season heating system checkup ensures safety and proper functioning, so that you stay toasty and warm until it is time to come out of hibernation.

Heating System Know-How

When it comes to pre-season annual heating maintenance, there are many things to be aware of:


If you have a non-hydronic heating system, you need to check the filter regularly, and change it if necessary.

Be sure to check your carbon monoxide detector batteries regularly, and ensure that they are in good shape.

Water is a big issue this time of the year, and throughout winter, specifically:

  • water that invades the heating system from outside
  • water wherever it shouldn't be coming from a compromised or damaged heating system
  • humidity (too much or too little)

Few things can dampen (excuse the pun) the spirit of winter quite like water damage. Even the slightest leak can cause dry--rot or flooding in time. While it is important to look out for small leaks when you winterize, you should keep your eyes peeled for that all through winter. Here's what you should watch out for:


Drips in the wrong places, caused by clogged gutters. Be sure to keep your gutters clean and unclog your downspouts or install additional downspouts now, before the heavy rains and snow start.

Standing ground-water in the crawlspace. You may see new high-water marks, or there may be water seeping into the daylight or full basement. It is crucial to control ground-water intrusion, and you can read more about our tips on preventing basement flooding in this post If you missed the opportunity to winterize, you can call Anta Plumbing to divert your downspout water temporarily.

Household leaks, such as drips from underneath your bathroom sink, or from cheap riser pipes, shut-off valves, can easily go unnoticed and unrepaired.

Leaks under appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines can develop slowly, but can lead to catastrophic leaks in no time. An annual pre-season checkup can help catch and repair such problems and help prevent major issues. Water alarms work like smoke alarms, sounding when water touches sensors and it has helped many homeowners.

Water in the air can make it more complicated and costly to heat your home or office. It can also promote ruin, rot and the growth of mold. It can even promote infestation by pests such as termites, carpenter ants and other critters.

Pre-Season Heating Tip

Many homeowners will close off some doors during winter. However, the closed off room becomes very cold, and when it is opened, even for just a few minutes, the humid, warm air from inside the home rushes in, landing on the ice-cold surfaces where it causes condensation.

The water from the condensation causes mold and mildew to grow in all the niches and dark corners.

Don't sit back in front of the fire, oblivious to these important factors. Be sure to check your home, inside and out to ensure that everything is working fine. If you're unsure, call your heating and plumbing specialists to have a look. Better yet, get a pre-season heating and plumbing check-up done right away.

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Written by Anta

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