Ep 022 - Get Your House Ready for Winter: Fall Plumbing Tips

TRANSCRIPT:

As the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall, it's time for homeowners to prepare for the approaching winter. The sudden arrival of extreme cold can catch us off guard, but a few simple plumbing and home maintenance tasks can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure a cozy winter season.

1. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before the frost sets in, disconnect any outdoor water hoses to prevent freezing and damage to your faucets and indoor pipes. Believe it or not, come spring time, we find ourselves replacing the most outdoor faucets due to being frozen from the winter.

2. Repair Leaky Faucets
Check all of your outdoor faucets for leaks and drips, and fix any issues to prevent potential pipe damage when freezing temperatures arrive. A leaky faucet could form an icicle effect resulting in frozen pipes.

3. Close Inside Valves
If your home has interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, close them and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing. Even if your outdoor faucet is the antifreeze type, this is still an important step to help prevent a visit from us in the near future.

4. Insulate Pipes
Protect any exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces, with insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing.

5. Seal Drafts
Reduce cold air penetration by sealing gaps around doors and windows. Make your home more energy-efficient. A small gap around a door or window can be enough to freeze an unconditioned space in extreme weather conditions.

6. Maintain Your Water Heater
Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup, ensuring it operates efficiently and lasts longer. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific maintenance guidance. Or of course, you can always just reach out to us to handle this for you. If your water heater has some age to it please keep a closer eye around it for leaks, as the colder season tends to be a time for water heaters to malfunction.

7. Set Temperature
Adjust your water heater's thermostat to 120°F for optimal performance.

8. Clean Gutters
Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to enable proper drainage during freeze-thaw cycles.

9. Sump Pump Maintenance
Inspect and clean your sump pump and pit to ensure it doesn't freeze and remains functional when needed. Run some water into the pit to ensure the sump pump turns on and off as it should.

10. Extended Absence Precautions
If you'll be away from home for an extended period during the winter, turn off your main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the high and low points in the house. And this is VERY important: keep your heat on, at no lower than 55°F, to prevent freezing.

These tips are suitable for homes occupied throughout the winter. For vacation properties left unattended, professional winterization services may be necessary.

Here are Some Additional Fall Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Homeowners

In addition to the plumbing preparations I just talked about, please also consider these 7 fall maintenance tasks to get your home ready for the season:

1. Landscaping Care: Prepare your yard for spring by removing dead trees and shrubs, and perform mulching and weeding.

2. HVAC Checkup: If your heating system is getting old, think about replacing it for improved efficiency. Even if it's in good shape, a checkup and cleaning can ensure it works well.

3. Heat Distribution: Optimize heating efficiency by adjusting supply registers based on your building's layout.

4. Sewer and Septic Maintenance: Cold weather can affect sewers and septic systems. Conduct regular maintenance and consider septic tank drainage if needed.

5. Frost Precautions: Stay updated on the weather forecast and disconnect outdoor hoses and prepare your underground sprinkler systems in the case of an unexpected cold snap.

6. Drainage Inspection: In areas with heavy rainfall, inspect storm pipes, catch basins, and discharge pipes for damage or blockages. Fix any problems and clear obstructing plants.

7. Water Heater Check: Periodically check the area under your water heater for leaks. If you find a leak, seek professional assistance for repairs.

By following these plumbing and fall maintenance tips, your home will be well-prepared for a cozy and hassle-free winter season. Talk to you next week!