Fall Plumbing Tips

September has arrived, and we all know what that means! Yes, sadly, the lazy days of summer are behind us, and fall is fast approaching. Given the unpredictable weather on the prairies, the team at Action Plumbing wants to make sure your home is ready for when the temperatures begin to dip. So, let’s discuss our top tips to get your plumbing ready for the fall season. 

Take care of the outdoors 

Now that the temperatures are cooling down, you likely won’t need to be watering your lawn. Also, as the new season approaches, you are likely tending to your outdoor garden and getting your yard ready for fall. Therefore, it is time to take care of your outdoor hoses and faucets. To prevent damage to your hoses, disconnect them, ensure the water is fully drained, and store them in your garage or shed for fall and winter. This way, they will be ready for you when the warm weather returns.  

Next, check your outdoor faucets for any leaks or drips. If you notice any, be sure to call a professional to ensure they don’t cause damage throughout the cold months ahead. If your faucets are in good condition, cover and insulate them until spring arrives. 

Locate your shut off valve 

To make sure that you don’t have any unexpected and costly problems in the upcoming months, if you have an interior shut off valve, be sure to turn it off, and open your outdoor faucet to verify there is no water left in the lines. 

It is always a good idea to know exactly where your shut off valve is should your plumbing spring a leak and you need to stop the water before disaster strikes and you are left with an expensive and soggy mess. 

Check your pipes 

If you have any pipes that are in cooler areas, such as your garage or attic, check that they are properly insulated. With exposure to the colder temperatures, they are more likely to cause a problem. The water can freeze, which can cause them to burst. As you can imagine, should this happen, it will lead to a variety of issues in your home. When you insulate your pipes properly, the water will flow smoothly, and you can live without fear of them springing a leak, no matter the temperature outside. 

Inspect the hot water heater 

Your hot water heater works double-time during the fall and winter. Therefore, it is recommended to drain your water heater to prevent sediment buildup and rust, ensuring it runs in tip top condition throughout the colder months. Trust us! Cold showers are never fun; especially an unexpected one (even though we acknowledge the popularity of cold plunges!). Contact our team to help with this to ensure the process is done correctly and efficiently. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing as we head into fall, we are here to help! Give the Action team a call, and we will ensure your home is ready to welcome the new season ahead.