As the summer’s heat subsides, you need to start thinking about the maintenance tasks that will protect your home through the colder months. Your plumbing should be a priority. When you prepare your plumbing for the upcoming season, you can prevent costly repairs. Along with that, you can make sure that your home remains safe and comfortable throughout the season. Here is what you need to know to get your pipes ready for autumn.
1. Inspect for Leaks and Damage
One of the first steps to prepare your pipes for autumn is to inspect your plumbing system thoroughly. During the summer, your pipes can develop leaks, cracks, or other damage you might not notice. As temperatures drop, small issues can escalate into major problems.
You will want to check on all the pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Piping in these parts can be susceptible to freezing.
Along with that, look for visible signs of leaks. Any water stains, damp spots, or mildew around pipes may indicate a problem. Also, take a few minutes to turn on each faucet and fixture in your home for reduced water pressure or unusual noises. Any low water flow or rattling could indicate a problem in the pipes.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In colder areas, you will need to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. You will need to insulate them. Pipe insulation can help retain heat within the pipes and reduce the risk of freezing and bursting.
You will want to insulate pipes in unheated areas or along exterior walls. These are most at risk and should be insulated. Many homeowners will use foam pipe insulation. It can be easily wrapped around the pipe and secured with adhesive tape. Sometimes, you might need heat tape for additional insulation. Insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing during sudden cold snaps and maintain consistent water temperature throughout your home.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Even if your pipes are well-insulated, cold air can seep into your home through gaps and cracks. When you close off these openings, you can help protect your pipes and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. You will want to look for open spaces around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. Make sure that the places where pipes enter or exit the building are sealed.
When it comes to seals, you can use caulk to close small gaps around windows and doors. However, foam sealant is better for larger cracks and openings. If you have any drafts in your home, seal the problem areas as well.
Sealing gaps and cracks has another benefit. When you keep out the cold air, you can reduce your heating costs throughout the winter.
4. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses and faucets can freeze, and if they are connected, they can actually burst. You need to remove any garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses connected can trap water in the faucet and the hose, causing damage. After disconnecting the hoses, drain them and store them in a shed or garage to protect them away from the elements.
If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outdoor water, turn it off for the season. You can open the outdoor faucets to drain any remaining water and prevent pressure buildup.
5. Prepare Your Sprinkler System
If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, take time to prepare it for fall to prevent damage from freezing water. You can do this by turning off the main water supply to your sprinkler system. There are several methods to drain these systems, such as manual draining, automatic draining, and using compressed air. If you’re unsure which method is best for your system, consult your owner’s manual or a professional for assistance.
Some sprinkler systems have above-ground piping. If this applies to your home, you will need to insulate it to prevent freezing. Winterizing your sprinkler system can extend its lifespan and save you from expensive repairs when spring arrives.
6. Inspect Your Water Shut Off Valve
If the cold weather causes a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe, you need to know how to shut off the water supply to your home. For those who don’t know the valve’s location, you need to find it. Most of the time, the main shut-off valve is located near where the water line enters your home, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility room.
Once you have located it, you need to check that the valve is in good working condition by turning it off and on a few times. If the valve is difficult to turn or doesn’t entirely shut off the water, you might need to replace it.
7. Check Your Water Heater
As the temperatures drop, your water heater will work harder to provide hot water. Before you need to rely on it throughout the winter, ensure that your water heater is in good condition. You will want to look for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. If you notice any issues, call a professional to have them repaired before the colder months.
However, when you maintain the tank as recommended, you can avoid most problems. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. In turn, that can reduce its efficiency. Draining the tank to remove sediment can help the heater operate more efficiently.
Also, consider insulating the tank, especially if your water heater is in an unheated area. With that, you can reduce heat loss and improve its efficiency. Regular maintenance will ensure a steady supply of hot water during the colder months and extend the life of the unit.
8. Service Your Sump Pump
If your home has a basement or crawl space, you need a functioning sump pump to prevent water damage. Before fall, you need to make sure your sump pump is in working order before winter. You might want to test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and drains the water properly.
Along with that, take time to clean the unit. Remove any debris or sediment that could clog the pipes in your home. Unfortunately, power outages are common during winter storms. You might want to install a battery backup or generator to prevent flooding in case of an outage.
When you need professional help to prepare your plumbing pipes for the fall, reach out to Baker & Sons Plumbing in Marion, IL. We are here to address all of your home plumbing issues. Along with maintenance and repair services, we also specialize in garbage disposal installation and repairs, water conditioning systems, and tankless water heater installations. We want to ensure your home’s plumbing systems operate throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule your next home appointment.
