Whether you’re preparing for the colder months ahead or just want to ensure your pipes stay warm, you’ll benefit from these plumbing maintenance tips for the fall. By following these suggestions, you can prepare your plumbing for the winter months and avoid unexpected plumbing issues. In case you’re in need of a plumbing repair, contact a reliable plumbing company, such as Thomas & Galbraith, to schedule a service call.
Insulating pipes
As the weather in the autumn changes, the temperature outside will also change, and this will have a direct impact on your home’s plumbing system. Taking the necessary steps to prevent freezes in your pipes now will ensure that they are protected in the spring, and help prevent expensive repairs in the future. If you have exposed pipes, make sure to insulate them with a quality pipe insulation product to help keep the pipes warm.
While you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you shouldn’t neglect your plumbing. Fall is the perfect time to start checking on your plumbing system and getting it ready for winter. Before the fall freeze, it is important to check your plumbing and make sure it’s in good condition. By performing routine maintenance now, you can avoid a plumbing disaster later in the season. You should also disconnect the outdoor water hose to prevent freezing inside your pipes.
Checking for leaks
As winter approaches, it is important to perform routine plumbing inspections in the fall. By doing this, you can prevent a host of problems from developing. Plumbing systems don’t always give you warning signs of impending problems. Instead, they often reveal themselves when you have a leaky pipe, an inflated water bill, or even a burst pipe. Here are some simple plumbing maintenance tips for the fall.
The cold, winter months take their toll on pipes, and if they aren’t protected, they can crack or burst. Taking the time to check for leaks before winter arrives will prevent a flood and expensive repairs. Leaking pipes are common year-round problems, but the cold weather puts them at a higher risk of freezing. Freezing water expands in a pipe, causing it to burst. You can also prevent a leak by making sure interior pipes are insulated. And don’t forget to clean your garbage disposal.
Checking for drips
One of the best fall plumbing maintenance tips is to check for drips in your sink and toilet drains. While these leaks may be small and may not seem like a big deal, they can cause a major headache if they do not get repaired in time. In addition to leaking water, these drips can lead to a sewer odor, which will not only make your home uncomfortable, but it can also be a huge hassle to deal with.
Another fall plumbing maintenance tip is to check for outdoor faucets. If your outdoor faucet is dripping or leaking, make sure you fix it before the cold weather sets in. If the water freezes and thaws, the pipes could break, which could cause a significant amount of damage. Checking for leaks is also important for toilet fixtures and shower heads, as they can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year.
Sealing off drafts
The first of the fall plumbing maintenance tips is sealing off drafts. While the weather is still warm, it is colder than usual, so a little work here and there can go a long way. If you notice areas in your home that are particularly drafty, seal them off with caulk or insulation to keep them warm and protected from the cold. If you see areas that are drafty in other parts of your home, you should look at sealing them off with weather stripping.
Another plumbing maintenance tip is to close any doorways and windows. Drafty homes cause energy bills to skyrocket. Air leaks can be caused by different materials. Typically, these leaks can occur around doors and window frames. Make sure the doors are closed and the frames are sealed tightly. Ensure the shutoff valves work properly, and test the main water shutoff. The shutoff valves should be in good working order, and clogged drains should be repaired or replaced.
Cleaning gutters
Among the plumbing maintenance tasks that must be done each fall is cleaning the gutters. While this task may seem like a simple one, it should not be taken lightly. Gutter cleaning can damage your home, so make sure you follow the following tips to keep your gutters free of debris. First, inspect the gutters for holes, cracks, leaking joints, and loose gutter hangers. If you notice any of these problems, mark them with masking tape. Next, clean out the gutters of debris. Use a handheld blower or wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from gutters. In case of dry days, you should also collect the fallen leaves in yard refuse bags.
Another plumbing maintenance tip that is often overlooked is cleaning the gutters. Without these systems, homes would be continuously saturated with water, and slab leaks would be much more common. While gutters rarely need maintenance, fall is an essential time to perform gutter maintenance. Leaves can accumulate and clog the gutters, requiring you to clean them regularly. Make sure to remove any gutter guards before the snow falls to prevent additional damage. Candu Plumbing company is the best choice for your professional plumbing services in San Fernando Valley.
