As temperatures cool, your plumbing system faces new demands. Catching small issues now prevents major plumbing problems later. Fall is the ideal transitional season to run through a quick home checkup before the first hard freeze hits.
1. Inspect and Insulate Outdoor Faucets & Pipes
- Disconnect outside hoses: Take off, empty, and put away all your garden hoses. If you leave them attached, water can freeze inside and crack your outdoor faucets or pipes.
- Shut off exterior valves: If your house has indoor shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, turn them off and let any leftover water drain out of the pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Cover pipes in unheated places like basements, crawlspaces, or garages with foam pipe insulation or thermal wrap.
2. Give Your Water Heater a Seasonal Tune-Up
- Flush the tank: Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater, which can make it less efficient and cause it to wear out faster. Flushing the tank removes these minerals.
- Check temperature settings: Set your water heater to 120°F. This keeps water hot enough to stop bacteria, but it is not so hot that it could burn you or raise your energy bills.
- Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (T&P) valve: Lift the lever on the temperature and pressure relief valve to make sure water comes out easily, and the valve closes tightly.
3. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts
- Remove fallen debris: Clear leaves, twigs, and other buildup from your gutters so rainwater can flow away from your house.
- Direct downspouts away from foundation: Make sure your downspouts reach at least 3 to 5 feet away from your house to keep water from soaking the ground and causing basement leaks or foundation problems.
4. Clear and Inspect Indoor Drains
- Clean kitchen disposal and drains: With more cooking in the fall, now is a good time to clear slow drains. Use natural cleaners or call a professional instead of harsh chemicals, which can damage your pipes.
- Inspect sump pump operation: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to check that the float switch turns on right away and the pump removes the water without any strange noises.
Get Expert Help Before Winter Arrives
Spend an hour or two this weekend going through this checklist to keep your home comfortable and leak-free all season. If you find a slow drain, an old water heater, or need help with pipe insulation, Eastern Plumbing is ready to help. Get in touch with us today to book your seasonal plumbing checkup!
