As the weather cools off and we spend more time indoors, plumbing issues that went unnoticed in the warmer months can start to show themselves – clogged drains become fully blocked, small leaks can cause water damage, water heaters act up when we need hot showers the most, etc. Taking some preventative measures in the fall can help avoid inconvenient plumbing repairs. Here are some fall plumbing maintenance tips to keep in mind.
Notice Warning Signs in Plumbing Areas
Of course, you can’t check every plumbing issue that may be lurking behind your walls, but there are warning signs that you can look for in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and other utility areas. For example, check drains in sinks, showers, and tubs. Turn on the water and see if you hear gurgling sounds, or if it takes longer than usual for water to drain. Piles of water that slowly disappear may indicate a clog from hair, grease, soap scum, or some other buildup. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as these don’t always resolve the issue and can be damaging to certain types of pipes.
Check for Leaks Under Sinks
While you’re checking your drains, take a peek under sinks for any signs of leaks. Check for dampness, discoloration, corrosion, soft cabinets, etc. Leaks can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth, especially in dark, confined spaces.
Other Warning Signs to Look For Include:
- Leaking faucet or loose handles
- Problems with water shutoff valves or exposed plumbing
- Swerving toilets or wet floors around toilets
- Discoloration on ceilings in bathrooms
- Frequent clogs in toilets or drains
- Toilets that keep running
That last one may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually end up wasting quite a bit of water!
Perform Fall Plumbing Maintenance to Avoid Costly Repairs
Taking some time to check for common plumbing issues can save you time, money, and hassle later on! The holidays and cold weather can put extra strain on your plumbing, so it’s important to take care of any issues before they become bigger problems.
Check Your Water Heater
It’s a good idea to check on your water heater in the fall since we tend to use more hot water when the weather gets colder. If your water heater is due for replacement, it’s better to get this done proactively than to wait until it fails on you in the middle of winter!
Check for corrosion on the tank, mineral build-up, or leaks. If you hear banging, rumbling, or popping noises coming from your water heater, this could be a sign of sediment build-up which can lead to inefficient and/or uneven heating. Resist the urge to crank up your water heater, because doing so wastes energy and increases the risk of scalding, which is addressed in the burn guidance at https://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539.
If you’ve been having issues with not having enough hot water, it’s worth looking into whether this is due to a problem with your water heater (sediment build-up, broken heating element, etc.) or if your needs have just outgrown your current water heater.
Protect Pipes From Freezing
Pipes in basements, crawlspaces, garages, outside walls, and other unheated areas can be more susceptible to temperature changes, so it can be a good idea to add some insulation to exposed pipes to help retain heat and prevent frozen pipes. (If all of your plumbing is tucked away in a well-insulated and consistently heated area of your home, you can probably skip this step!)
Seal any gaps in walls or foundations where pipes enter your home to prevent cold air from affecting your plumbing, and to keep drafts out. Make sure you don’t block any vents, electrical items, or access panels with insulation.
Prepare for Increased Usage and Lingering Problems
You’re likely going to be spending more time cooking at home and possibly hosting more guests as the weather turns, so your kitchen drains will get a workout. Make sure you’re not putting any fibrous vegetable waste, large food chunks, coffee grounds, grease or oils down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal.
Similarly, increased use of bathrooms can wreak havoc on your drains. Consider using a strainer to catch excess hair, and don’t ignore small clogs, as they can quickly develop into bigger ones. If you’re noticing multiple slow drains, or backups when using one drain affect others (such as water backing up into another drain when you flush the toilet), the clog may be further down the line.
Also ask a professional to take a look at any lingering sewer smells, damp areas in your yard, or unusual changes in water pressure instead of simply trying to patch things up again and again.
Call a Pro When Needed
Some minor plumbing repairs, such as snaking a sink drain or replacing a faucet washer, are perfectly doable for most homeowners, but for more major problems, it’s best to call in a pro, especially since major plumbing issues can wreak havoc on your home, including damaging drywall, flooring, and even structural elements.
Contact a plumber to investigate any recurring problems such as leaks, discolored or low-pressure water, sewage backups, drain clogs, or a leaking water heater. You could also ask Caswell Plumbing & Heating to inspect the source of the recurring trouble. The pro will be able to determine whether you have a bigger plumbing issue on your hands or just one faulty fixture. And scheduling plumbing maintenance or repair with a pro now will likely save you a lot of hassle down the road, especially when it comes to getting into tight spaces or repairing elements affected by the elements!
Make a List
While fall plumbing maintenance shouldn’t take up your entire day, it’s a good idea to take a quick tour of your home and make note of any issues with your faucets, drains, exposed plumbing, etc. You may want to jot down the age of your water heater and any other plumbing repairs that have been done, as well as any recurring issues, in case you notice a trend later on.
If there’s a dripping faucet, a stubborn clog, a water heater on its last legs, or any other plumbing issue that needs attention, schedule an appointment with a plumber now before the cold weather rolls in!
