September Plumbing Checklist
Even though leaves are starting to fall, these warm temperatures have us feeling more summer vibes than autumn ones. However, as the month creeps on, it’s important to remember that cooler temperatures are inevitable (sorry!). Fall is the perfect time to ensure your home’s plumbing system is in tip top condition and prepared for the prairie winter. So, today, we want to offer some items to add to your checklist to help keep you ahead of the cold weather and save your hard-earned cash by avoiding potential issues.
Outdoor faucets and hoses
Before the temperatures drop, you want to ensure the outside of your home is ready for the long winter ahead. Therefore, do the following:
Disconnect garden hoses
Drain outdoor faucets
Drain water to avoid freezing or burst pipes
Store hoses indoors to help extend their usage
Insulate exposed pipes
In areas where pipes are located that are cooler, or unheated like your basement, garage, attic or crawl space, you’ll want to:
Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to insulate them from the cold
Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls
In doing so, you’ll help prevent pipes from freezing and cracking when the temperature begins to plummet.
Check your water heater
Since your water heater works even harder during the winter, you want to ensure it’s ready to keep your showers warm:
Flush the tank to remove buildup
Check for leaks or rust
Consider an upgrade if it’s been over 10–12 years
Set temperature to around 60°C (140°F)
Clean gutters and downspouts
While not an obvious plumbing issue, clogged gutters can overflow. This can cause water to pool near your foundation, leading to bigger issues down the road. Always do the following:
Remove leaves and debris
Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home
Seal leaks and cracks
Don’t waste your money by heating the outdoors! Cold air can get in, and warm air can escape through the smallest crack or gap in your home. Stay warm by sealing cracks around plumbing entry points with either caulk or spray foam. This helps reduce cold air from entering and helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature that your family and your wallet will thank you for.
Call the Action team
While some obvious issues can be easily spotted, they are often tricky to see. Therefore, the fall season is a perfect time to call in an expert, like the plumbers at Action. We can find hidden issues and fix them quickly and efficiently. This way, we can help ensure your home is ready for whatever fall and winter throws our way!
From plumbing to heating, our team can help with all your home's needs. Please reach out to us today for a free estimate. We also have 24/7 emergency services available for when trouble happens outside regular business hours.
While we aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to these warm temperatures, it’s also important to be prepared. With some careful planning, you can ensure your home is safe and ready, ultimately saving money and preventing future headaches.