As the weather cools and leaves start to change color, it’s time for homeowners to prepare their homes for the upcoming fall season. The cooler weather means you’ll be spending more time indoors. Are you confident that your water heater and plumbing system are ready for the demand that autumn and the upcoming holiday season will place on it? Addressing plumbing needs in the fall can hopefully prevent the annoyance, stress, and inconvenience of something going wrong. Here are five plumbing maintenance tips to help get your home ready for fall.
1. Inspect and Protect Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Avoid the need for outdoor faucet repair in St. Peters, MO by inspecting each faucet for leaks or drips. Even a small leak can lead to major problems when temperatures drop, as water left inside pipes can freeze and cause the pipes to burst.
Be sure to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes. To add an extra layer of protection, consider installing insulated faucet covers to keep them safe from freezing temperatures.
2. Schedule Drain Cleaning
Fall is the perfect time to have your drains professionally cleaned. Over time, hair, grease, soap scum, and other debris can build up in your pipes, leading to slow drainage or even complete blockages. By scheduling a drain cleaning service before the holiday season, you’ll ensure that your plumbing is in top shape to handle extra guests and the increased kitchen usage that often comes with family gatherings. Routine drain cleaning can also prevent unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of backups that could cause damage to your home.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or garages are at risk of freezing when temperatures plummet. Frozen pipes can crack or burst, leading to significant water damage and costly repairs. To avoid this, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes using pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape.
4. Test Your Sump Pump
Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump kicks on and removes the water efficiently, it’s working properly. If it doesn’t, you may need to have it inspected or replaced. Regular testing and maintenance of your sump pump can help you avoid unexpected flooding and costly damage to your home’s foundation and belongings.
5. Check Your Water Heater
As temperatures drop, your water heater will need to work harder to deliver hot water. Make a visual inspection of your hot water heater, looking for leaks or signs of corrosion. Consider purchasing a water heater insulation blanket. If hard water is present in your home, it’s a good time of year to schedule water heater maintenance which will include a flush of the water heater tank.
While some of these tasks can be done on your own, hiring a professional plumber can give you peace of mind that your home is fully prepared for the season ahead. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start your fall plumbing maintenance today!
Contact Performance Plumbing today for plumbing services in St. Peters, MO today!