Plumbing maintenance is important year-round, but fall is the perfect time to give your system a little extra care. Preparing now can help prevent unexpected issues during the holiday season when your plumbing is working overtime. You also won’t have to worry about stressful situations and emergency plumbing costs.
Knowing what tasks to tackle and learning more about maintenance during autumn can help you get your system in great shape.
Why Are Autumn Plumbing Maintenance Tasks Important?
Autumn maintenance tasks get your plumbing system in top shape for the upcoming months. Winter can take a significant toll on your plumbing system due to the heavy amounts of snow and the temperatures that drop below freezing. There are also fall and winter holidays that involve whipping up plenty of hearty home cooking and corresponding dish washing as well as extra guests in your house who may put a strain on your plumbing.
Why Is Fall a Good Time for a Plumbing Inspection?
Our plumbers are experts in detecting plumbing issues that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Spotting these problems, especially while they’re in the minor stages, is important for keeping them from becoming severe and more costly to address.
Significant plumbing issues aren’t always obvious initially. Sometimes, they lurk beneath the surface and make themselves known at the worst possible time, such as a pipe bursting right before you’re set to host Thanksgiving dinner. We can detect and diagnose the problems, determine a resolution, and implement repairs before the holiday season kicks into high gear.
How Do I Prepare My Outdoor Spigot for Winter?
Our team can winterize your outdoor spigot to get it ready for the cold weather. We’ll do tasks such as shutting off the outdoor faucet’s water supply, draining the remaining water, and installing a cover for extra protection. Our team should do this during the fall before the first frost.
Is Autumn a Good Time for a Water Heater Inspection?
Yes, the fall is a great time for a water heater inspection. We can check your appliance for potential signs of damage, such as leaks or corrosion, and get your system ready for all the hot showers and home cooking that take place during winter.
Additionally, we can also flush your water heater, removing the sediment buildup. The inspection and flushing are vital for preventing problems, such as decreased efficiency, discolored water, and higher utility bills.
Can Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Clear Out My Drains?
Store-bought drain cleaners may provide a temporary fix, but we strongly advise against using them, especially on a regular basis. The cleaners can damage pipes, such as causing corrosion, and are usually ineffective on major clogs. A professional drain cleaning is the better option. Not only can we remove clogs of all sizes, but we can also recommend how to prevent them from recurring.
How Do I Know if My Drains Need Professional Cleaning?
Unpleasant odors, strange sounds, clogs, and slow-draining water are some of the signs your drains need professional cleaning. You may also notice pest infestations, as bugs are drawn to the organic matter decomposing in the drains and attached to the inside of your plumbing pipe walls.
Should I Do Drain Cleaning Before or After the Holidays?
It’s a good idea to do drain cleaning before the holidays. It removes clogs, dirt, and debris from your drains, eliminating the causes of unappetizing odors while allowing water to flow freely from your sink without disruption. You won’t have to worry about dealing with clogs and corresponding problems during the holidays when you already have enough on your plate.
When Should I Schedule a Fall Plumbing Inspection?
Consider calling us during the summer or early fall to schedule your autumn plumbing inspection. You should ideally have your appointment occur before Thanksgiving to ensure your system is clear and ready for the busy cooking holiday. The sooner you call, the higher the chances of getting the appointment for the date and time you want.
Can I Wait to Do Repairs Until After the Holidays?
If our plumbers discover that you need plumbing repairs, we strongly advise that you schedule them with us in the fall. It helps get your plumbing system in excellent condition and ready for the cold weather and increased usage. Delaying the repairs can put your plumbing pipes at risk for serious problems, such as sewage backups, mold growth, or pipes bursting if the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do I Need to Change My Pipe Insulation?
It’s a good idea to change the pipe insulation if your insulation is old or ineffective. Pipes, especially those on the outer wall of your home, need proper insulation to make it through winter without experiencing issues like cracks and bursting.
Insulation can break down over time due to factors like moisture and age, so even if you currently have it on your pipes, it may not be working efficiently. Our professional plumbers can assess your plumbing pipes to determine if the insulation needs replacing and identify any areas that currently lack insulation but could benefit from it.
Are Smart Water-Leak Detectors a Good Investment?
Yes, smart water leak detectors are a good investment for your home. They’re easy to set up and can notify you if there’s water where it shouldn’t be. For instance, put one under your kitchen sink, and if the device senses dripping water, it will send a notification to your cell phone. In addition to under your kitchen sink, put them under your bathroom sinks, by your washing machine, next to your dishwasher, and by your water heater.
It’s a good idea to set them up before autumn. If you’re hosting one or more holidays at your house, they can help prevent minor problems from turning major and causing significant water damage. Planning on going away for the holidays? They help keep watch over your home while you’re away. If you think you already have a leak, our leak detection team uses advanced tools to find the source and fix it before it causes major damage.
Should I Perform Plumbing Self-Inspections During Autumn?
Yes, but you should also perform them year-round. There are various areas you should check throughout your home, including under all your bathroom and kitchen sinks, and while looking for leaks, cracks, and other potential damage. Check water-using appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and deep freezers. You should also keep an eye out for water spots on floors, ceilings, and walls.
How Do I Prepare My Sump Pump During Fall?
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric can be invaluable for preparing your sump pump during the fall, considering Beckley gets an average of 52 inches of snow and 42 inches of rain per year. Sump pumps help prevent basement flooding and structural damage. They can also prevent mold growth, which can occur within 24 to 48 hours. Our team will check that your device is performing properly, inspect its components, and assess its physical condition, looking for issues like cracks.
Create a fall maintenance plan to start the process. Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley, WV, provides inspections, drain cleanings, and more to get your plumbing system ready for the cold weather and busy holiday season. Schedule an appointment today through our website.
