Fall is Here: Get Your Plumbing Ready Before the Cold Weather Hits

The crisp air, changing leaves, and the return to routines all signal one thing: fall is officially here! While you're enjoying pumpkin spice and football, it's crucial to shift your focus to preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Your plumbing system, in particular, needs some attention to prevent costly and inconvenient issues that often arise with the first freeze.

We know that a little proactive maintenance in September can save you a lot of stress in January. Here's a quick guide to what you should be looking at right now to ensure your home's plumbing is ready for fall and winter.

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
This is the most important—and easiest—step you can take right now. Leaving a garden hose attached to your outdoor spigot can be a recipe for disaster. Any water left in the hose or the pipe leading to it can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst. This can lead to a major leak inside your home's walls when the pipe thaws.

• The Fix: Simply disconnect all garden hoses and store them for the winter. Then, open the outdoor spigot to allow any remaining water to drain out.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In our climate, exposed pipes in unheated areas are especially vulnerable to freezing. We're talking about pipes in your garage, crawl spaces, and even basements.

• The Fix: Take a walk around your home and identify any exposed pipes. You can easily insulate these yourself with foam pipe insulation available at any hardware store. If you have any concerns or need a professional to handle it, we're just a phone call away.

3. Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter to keep up with the demand for hot showers, baths, and dishwashing. Now is a great time to ensure it's in peak condition.

• The Fix: Check for any leaks around the unit and listen for unusual noises, which could indicate a build-up of sediment. We highly recommend a professional tune-up, which includes flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and ensuring all components are working correctly. This can significantly improve its efficiency and extend its life.

4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
​While this might not sound like a plumbing issue, clogged gutters can lead to major plumbing problems. When water can't drain properly, it can pool around your home's foundation, potentially leading to basement flooding or damage to your main sewer line.

• The Fix: Clear your gutters of leaves and debris. A clean gutter system will ensure rainwater is directed away from your home's foundation, protecting your underground plumbing.

​Don't Wait for a Plumbing Emergency!
Waiting until a pipe bursts or your water heater fails is the most expensive way to deal with plumbing issues. Taking a little time in September to prepare can save you from a major headache (and bill) down the line.

We're here to help you get your home ready for the seasons ahead. Our experienced team can perform a comprehensive fall plumbing inspection and handle any repairs or maintenance you need.

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