When temperatures drop, and the leaves start to change colors, fall is here. Fall is an ideal time to prepare your home for the cold season, specifically your home’s plumbing system. Fall plumbing maintenance is essential if you want peace of mind going into the winter months. A professional plumber, like one at Efficiency Plumbing, will check your home’s plumbing system and do any necessary maintenance, such as draining your home’s water heater, to ensure everything is ready for winter.
Get the Pipes Checked for Leaks
Any fall plumbing maintenance should start with inspecting the pipes for possible leaks. A small leak can easily become much larger and cause structural damage to your home, so this inspection is critical. Catching leaks early before they expand helps prevent emergency plumbing repairs and frozen pipes during the winter.
Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems Inspected
Outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems are very susceptible to freezing temperatures. A professional inspection confirms that these components are ready for the cold temperatures. This also includes checking for cracks, wear, and any signs of leaks around sprinkler heads. Fall is the time to make sure outdoor faucets are drained and shut off so the water doesn’t freeze and cause burst pipes. Doing this helps ensure your pipes and sprinkler system are ready when you need them in the spring.
Schedule a Water Heater Drain and Inspection
Over time, sediment builds up in the tank of a conventional water heater. Draining the water heater helps to rid it of these sediments for better efficiency in the system and a constant supply of hot water during winter. Other problems like corrosion or malfunctioning valves are something one of our plumbers can catch during an inspection. This is also a perfect time to assess whether the thermostat on the water heater is properly set to maintain the correct temperature for comfort and energy efficiency. These preventative measures during a fall plumbing inspection help extend the life of your home’s water heater.
Have Your Home’s Sump Pump Checked
Sump pumps keep water out of your basement, mainly during large rainfalls or when snow starts to melt. A sump pump check is essential to fall plumbing maintenance because a failed sump pump has a high potential for flooding. Discharge lines and the backup battery need checking so you have peace of mind that it will work when needed, even if there is a power outage.
Insulate Pipes
Exposed pipes in your home, especially in unheated areas like a garage or attic, quickly freeze in the winter. If they freeze, pipes can burst, disrupting water flow and causing a plumbing emergency. To prevent this, we can assess the pipes in your home and let you know what type of specific insulation works well with them.
Get the Water Pressure Checked and Adjusted
Maintaining optimal water pressure is key to helping extend the life of your home’s plumbing system. Higher-than-normal water pressures could increase strain on the piping and connected fixtures, posing a likely potential for leakage, bursts, and wear and tear over time. On the other hand, low water pressure can indicate several issues, from mineral buildup to blockages to system leaks. One of our professionals attaches a gauge to the system to check whether the water pressure is within the recommended range. If the system needs adjustments, we adjust the pressure regulator to hold the optimum level, which balances water flow with pipe safety.
Have the Sewer Line Inspected
Sewer lines for your home must be inspected before winter. Over time, sewer lines clog due to debris, tree roots, and other blockages that may restrict the flow of wastewater and increase the possibility of backflow. Specialized equipment helps us check the sewer line so that we know if the pipe is healthy or if it needs repairs or cleaning before winter. A sewer line inspection identifies issues and helps rectify them so your home’s sewer line works well all winter.
At Efficiency Plumbing in Hanover, Massachusetts, we provide water heaters, water softeners, and drain services for area homes. Our friendly team also provides furnace, air conditioner, and indoor air quality repair, maintenance, and installation services. Contact us at Efficiency Plumbing for more information about our HVAC and plumbing services today!
