Seasonal Plumbing Tips for Fall
It’s the time of year for seasonal plumbing maintenance so that your home can stand up to the challenges of winter weather. The following plumbing tips for fall will help you avoid the plumbing problems that are commonly caused by frigid temperatures and winter storms.
Have the Hot Water Heater Inspected
Hot water heaters work overtime during the winter months, so before the frigid weather sets in, have it inspected. It’s better to make sure the water heater is in great condition than to run into problems in the middle of a cold spell.
Do You Know Where the Main Water Valve is? If you’re not sure, take the time to locate the main valve, show everyone elsewhere it is, and how to turn it off if necessary. Doing so will help protect your home from flooding if a pipe breaks or bursts.
Insulate Pipes
Look for openly exposed pipes in your home, especially in the basement. Because these pipes are exposed to cold air, they are at greater risk of bursting. Protecting the pipes with insulation tape, fibreglass, or pipe sleeves, will help you keep them warm and flowing freely during the winter months.
Detach Outdoor Hoses
Because hoses are made of rubber, the constant freezing, and thawing breaks them down, causing them to crack. Instead of keeping hoses outside, detach them from spigots, drain them, and store in a place that doesn’t get below freezing.
Have the Gutters Cleaned
The best time of year to have the gutters cleaned is in the fall, when leaves are everywhere, including the gutters. You should have the gutters cleaned on a regular basis, especially during the winter when debris commonly blocks water drainage, causing destructive problems. Clean gutters will help maintain and extend the life of your roof and keep water from backing up into your home.
Inspect the Sump Pump
Sump pumps are among the most critical components of home plumbing because they pump water away from the home, helping prevent flooding and water damage. Fall is the perfect time of year to have the sump pump inspected for damage and repairs performed when necessary.
Vacation Preparation
If you’re planning on vacationing during the fall and winter months, some preparation can go a long way when it comes to safeguarding your home. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, set the thermostat to 50 degrees, drain faucets and shut off the main water valve. You may want to have a smart thermostat installed as well, so you can change the temperature using your smartphone while you’re away.
If your home isn’t prepared, an extreme drop in temperature can wreak havoc on the plumbing. Following the fall plumbing tips listed here will help ensure your home is “winter-ready”. If you don’t have the experience to perform the recommended tips listed here, call a plumbing expert.