Fall is the perfect time to prepare your plumbing for the cold winter months to come. Especially if you live in a colder climate where temperatures get below freezing in the winter, it’s important to make sure your plumbing is able to handle the drop in temperature. As a homeowner, there are many steps you can take to avoid a plumbing nightmare this fall. Here are the top 4 fall plumbing tips every homeowner should know.

1. Clear Your Gutters

Fall and winter bring more moisture and rainfall, which can wreak havoc on your gutters. Make sure you clear your gutters of any debris, leaves, twigs, and other things that may cause clogs and blockages. Clean gutters ensure rainwater won’t land near your home’s foundation or get into your pipes. The last thing you need is improper draining to cause water damage to your home or plumbing.

2. Drain Your Water Heater

Your water heater will be working a lot harder to provide you with the same level of hot water during these colder months. To ensure it runs as efficiently as possible, have the tank entirely drained and flushed out this fall. Flushing your water heater will remove any sediment build-up and keep it running smoothly.

3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

It may be too early to do this, depending on where you live and the current climate. But, when weather cools down, make sure you disconnect all outdoor hoses. Garden hoses are made of rubber, and constant freezing and thawing in the winter can cause them to crack because they’ve weakened. After you’ve disconnected them, store them in a place that doesn’t get below freezing in the winter. The last thing you want to deal with is your pipes bursting.

4. Insulate Your Pipes

Let’s be real – a homeowner’s worst nightmare is frozen pipes. Your pipes, both inside and outside, are at increased risk of freezing in the winter. That’s why you should make sure they’re properly insulated this fall. This can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. You should insulate all pipes that are located in a non-heated area, such as the garage, basement or crawlspace. While the number one goal of insulating your pipes is to prevent freezing, there are other benefits to doing this. It can also help improve energy efficiency and prevent condensation.

Is Your Plumbing Ready For Fall? Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality plumbing services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your plumbing maintenance today and we will make sure your plumbing is ready for fall and winter. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.