It’s that time of year again to start thinking about getting ready for the fall and prepare your plumbing for the upcoming change in seasons. Get the winter season started right by prepping during the fall.

The great outdoors. As the weather changes and temperatures drop, it is time to disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off the water valves if you have them for the outdoor spigots. You’ll want to drain the water from all of your outdoor water lines.

Check for leaks and drips and get those repaired before the winter weather sets in.

Cover your outdoor spigots with a Styrofoam cover. You can find these at any home improvement store.

Insulate your pipes in unheated places within your home, like the garage and crawl spaces.

The water heater. As winter creeps in, your water heater has to work harder to heat the water.  Keep the water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.

Flush out your heater to remove any sediment that causes corrosion and reduce the lifespan of your water heater.

Test the pressure release valve to ensure that it is working properly. You may want to consider calling a professional in order to prevent a leak from occurring if you have an older unit.

Gutters and Sump Pumps. Be sure to clean all of the debris out of your gutters to allow water to run freely as it freezes and thaws throughout the winter months. If you have a sump pump, check it to make sure that it is working like it should. The unit, along with the pit around it need to be cleaned and ready to go for winter.

Ongoing maintenance is an important part of ensuring that your plumbing and appliances run as efficiently as possible. It also helps prevent unnecessary repairs and prolongs the life of your systems and unit.

We’re here to help you with all of your plumbing maintenance needs. Just give us a call and we would be glad to set up a maintenance schedule that makes the most sense for your home.

And, as always, if you have questions, we are here to help.