### FAQs: Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance

Q: At what temperature should I worry about frozen pipes?

A: Begin precautions when temperatures drop below 20°F. Take active measures (dripping faucets, cabinet doors open) below 10°F. Pipes can freeze at 32°F in extreme conditions.

Q: How often should I flush my water heater?

A: Drain 2-3 gallons from the bottom quarterly to remove sediment. Full flushing annually in areas with hard water, every 2-3 years with soft water.

Q: Should I turn off water when going on vacation?

A: Yes, especially in winter. Turn off main supply and drain pipes in unheated areas. Set heat to minimum 55°F to prevent freezing.

Q: How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

A: Monitor your water meter during 2-hour periods of no water use. Any movement indicates a leak. Also watch for unexplained increases in water bills.

Q: Is it worth upgrading to smart leak detection systems?

A: Yes, especially for homes with history of water damage or expensive finished basements. Insurance discounts often offset costs within 2-3 years.

Q: When should I replace my water heater?

A: Consider replacement if over 10 years old and experiencing frequent problems, efficiency has declined significantly, or repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value.

Q: Can I do my own plumbing repairs?

A: Simple repairs like unclogging drains, replacing faucet aerators, and fixing running toilets are DIY-friendly. Leave gas lines, main water lines, and complex repairs to professionals.

Q: How much should I budget annually for plumbing maintenance?

A: Plan $200-$500 annually for routine maintenance, with $1,000-$2,000 emergency fund for unexpected repairs. This prevents much larger disaster costs.

Your plumbing system silently serves your family 24/7, delivering clean water and removing waste safely. The homeowners who avoid expensive water damage disasters are those who treat plumbing maintenance as essential insurance rather than optional expense.

Remember: water damage happens instantly but takes months to fully remediate. Invest in prevention now, and you'll never experience the stress and expense of a major plumbing disaster.# Chapter 12: Window and Door Maintenance: Sealing, Caulking, and Weatherproofing

SHOCKING FACT: Air leaks around windows and doors cost American homeowners over $14 billion annually in wasted energy, with the average home losing 25-40% of its heating and cooling through gaps that could be sealed for under $200. A single gap the width of a dime around a door frame allows as much air infiltration as leaving a 6-inch square window open 24/7. Yet 84% of homeowners have never properly sealed their windows and doors.

Your windows and doors are the moving parts of your home's envelope – the components that must provide weather protection while allowing operation thousands of times per year. When these systems fail, the results cascade through your entire home: energy waste, comfort problems, moisture infiltration, pest intrusion, and accelerated HVAC system wear.

This chapter provides your complete window and door maintenance system, teaching you professional sealing techniques, seasonal adjustment procedures, and the maintenance that keeps these critical components functioning efficiently for decades.