Fall Maintenance Checklist for Your Plumbing
Chilly nights, shorter days and changing leaves means autumn is here. It’s time to put away the pool toys and cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider or a pumpkin latte. But before you get too cozy, don’t forget to prep your plumbing for the cooler temps. A few minutes now could save you from one of these common fall plumbing problems later.
Fall Plumbing Checklist
Make sure you get to enjoy all a beautiful Minnesota fall has to offer by following our fall plumbing checklist.
Check for Leaks
While you’re packing up the pool, make sure you give your outside plumbing a once over. Make sure there aren’t any drips or leaks. When freezing temps come, a little outside leak could turn into a burst pipe. It’s best to make any necessary repairs now before colder temps arrive.
Disconnect Hoses
Be sure you disconnect and store your hoses for winter. If left connected to your house, any water still in the hoses can freeze causing damage to your exterior faucets and connecting pipes inside your home. Once hoses are disconnected, you can further insulate your exterior faucets by covering them with an insulation kit.
Drain Sprinkler System
If you have an underground sprinkler system for your lawn, make sure you remember to winterize it. First, turn off the water to your sprinkler system and any automatic timers you have set. Then you’ll want to drain the water from your system. Depending on the sprinkler system you have, it may drain manually, automatically or with a blow-out from an air compressor. Refer to your owner’s manual on how to properly drain and winterize your specific model.
Turn Off Exterior Water
Most homes come equipped with an interior shut-off valve for their outside faucets. If you have one in your home, close the valve for the winter and drain all water from the line by opening up the outside faucet until it stops dripping.
Insulate Pipes
If you have any pipes running through unheated areas of your home, such as your garage or crawl space, insulate them before winter comes. Any pipes that are fully exposed or prone to freezing can be wrapped with heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables.
Inspect Water Heater
Nothing warms the soul better than a hot bath or shower when the weather turns cold. Make sure your water heater will be up for the task. Check your water heater for any signs of wear and tear including rust, puddles, and scale. If you haven’t flushed it out in the last year, now’s a great time. Flushing your water heater will remove any sediment that’s built up in the tank allowing it to last longer and run more efficiently. Simply empty several gallons using the faucet near the bottom of the tank and direct the water to a nearby drain.
Prep Your Plumbing for Fall with One Hour Rooter
Fall is also the kickoff to family gatherings and holidays. Find a few more tips and tricks for keeping your plumbing safe this holiday season. If you need help checking off any of these fall plumbing maintenance tasks or any other plumbing issues you may be experiencing, give the plumbers at One Hour Rooter a call at 612-354-8984 or schedule an appointment online. We’re the Twin Cities trusted plumber, offering quick, capable and affordable plumbing services and we’re happy to help you with whatever plumbing problems you may have.
