This Halloween, protect your pipes from a plumbing nightmare and freezing temperatures.
Halloween is full of tricks, treats, and pumpkin carving fun—but nothing’s scarier than a plumbing nightmare! Pumpkin guts and seeds may seem harmless, but when they dry, they become sticky like glue and can cling to the sides of your pipes, causing stubborn clogs, costly repairs and unnecessary water waste.
When carving pumpkins, the following tips can save you from a scary situation.
- Skip the sink. Never put pumpkin pulp or seeds down your drain or toilet.
- Carve smart. Use newspaper or garbage bags for easy cleanup, and scoop guts into a bowl to separate the seeds for roasting or cooking.
- Clean up carefully. Wipe pumpkin residue off your hands with a paper towel or rinse outside before washing in the sink.
When the fun is over, dispose of your pumpkins properly.
- Throw them in the garbage or compost, or bury them in your garden to enrich the soil.
- Save and dry the seeds to plant next spring for next year’s pumpkin patch!
- Take advantage of Littleton/Englewood’s Pumpkin Collection Event. Drop off begins on Monday, November 3 and continues until Friday, November 14 at A1 Organics Mountain States.
As temperatures drop, it’s time to protect your plumbing from the chill.
- Winterize irrigation systems. Turn them off and drain or blow out all water lines. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
- Know your home’s freezing points. Check crawl spaces, basements, garages, and exterior walls for exposed pipes.
- Locate your shut-off valves. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off and curb stop valves are located.
- Seal and insulate. Wrap exposed pipes, seal cracks or gaps with foam or caulk, and keep your heat no lower than 55°F when away.