As beautiful as the fall season may be, it also signals the impending arrival of cold weather. While you’re busy raking leaves and decorating for Halloween, don’t forget to implement fall plumbing tips to prepare your plumbing system for the chilly months ahead. Taking a few preventive steps now can save you the inconvenience of plumbing emergencies later.

Top 6 Fall Plumbing Tips 

Here are the top six plumbing tips you should know this fall:

Inspect for Leaks

One of the most crucial steps in preparing your plumbing system for fall is a thorough inspection for leaks. Even small leaks can escalate into significant problems when temperatures plummet. Check all faucets, pipes, and connections both inside and outside your home. Pay close attention to areas that experience temperature fluctuations, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. If you discover any leaks, no matter how small, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Insulating exposed pipes is another essential fall plumbing tip. This simple task can make a big difference in protecting your pipes from freezing and bursting. Focus on pipes located in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. You can purchase pipe insulation at most hardware stores. It’s easy to install, and it provides excellent protection against cold temperatures.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

While not directly related to plumbing, your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in protecting your home’s foundation. As leaves fall from trees, they can clog your gutters, preventing water from draining properly. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can seep into your foundation and cause damage to your plumbing system. Take some time to clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent potential problems.

Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works overtime during the colder months to provide hot water for showers, baths, and laundry. To ensure it’s ready for the increased demand, perform a routine inspection. Check for leaks, signs of rust, or corrosion. It’s also a good idea to flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. This will improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Prepare Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. To prevent damage, disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets. If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, consider installing frost-proof faucets or insulating outdoor pipes with foam covers.

Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, it’s essential to test it regularly to ensure it’s working properly. Fall is a great time to do this, as rainfall often increases during this season. To test your sump pump, simply pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on and remove the water efficiently. If it doesn’t, it’s time to call a professional for repairs or replacement.

By following these fall plumbing tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies during the colder months. However, even the most diligent homeowners may encounter unexpected plumbing issues. That’s where Plumbing 911 comes in.

How Plumbing 911 Can Help

Plumbing 911 is a reputable plumbing firm made up of professionals. We offer full service for both residential and commercial properties, including everyday maintenance and emergency needs. Our experts are skilled in fixing clogged drains and toilets, leaky and damaged faucets and pipes, low water pressure, running toilets, sump pumps, and water heaters. 

Don’t let plumbing problems ruin your fall. For a free inspection in your area, call us at 1-866-720-0911, schedule an appointment today, or send us an email. We cover Medina, Summit, Portage, Stark, Canton, Cuyahoga, Cleveland, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Sandusky, Huron, Erie, Ottawa and Seneca