Fall has arrived, but the home/property maintenance does not stop. You may not want to think about cold snaps just yet, but a fall plumbing checklist will help you prepare. Get started preparing your property for the coming months while it is still above freezing. You will be glad you did! Save yourself time and money in repairs by creating a fall plumbing checklist.

Outdoor Spigots and Hoses

Harsh winters can destroy your outdoor plumbing. Start your fall plumbing checklist by draining your water hoses that have been sitting out all summer. Roll them up and store them inside your home, garage, or shed where they are away from the elements. Do this during the fall before the first cold snap occurs and prepare for the cold before it starts. Next, prep any outdoor faucets or spigots for the coming cold. Fix any leaks you detect because even a small crack can cause a huge frozen mess. If you can shut the water off to outside valves, fall is the time to do it. You can also cover outdoor faucets and spigots using special insulation kits.

Water Heater

Fall is also a good time to inspect and flush your water heater. During the cold months, your water heater must work a bit harder. Take care of it now so it can last longer and keep it running efficiently. Have a professional look at your water heater and drain it or do it yourself. On a tank water heater, attach a hose to the drain at the bottom and direct water into a container or nearby drain. Checking your water heater once a year should be on your fall plumbing checklist because flushing will help clear any sediment that can corrode your heater. You should also check parts like the relief valve and get it fixed if you see any leaks.

Insulate Pipes

If you have plumbing running through unheated areas such as the garage, insulate your pipes. Use heated tape, or better yet, use heated cables with temperature controls. They will help prevent your plumbing from freezing and bursting, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Clear Gutters

Fall leaves are beautiful to look at, but they create a lot of yard work, including clearing the gutters when leaves fall in. While this is not typically considered plumbing, you should still include it on your fall plumbing checklist. Clear gutters before freezing temperatures occur to avoid debris frozen in place. That way, water pathways are clear, and water can drain properly.

Sump Pump

Fall is also a good time to check your sump pump as well. Sump pumps in places like crawl spaces are exposed to cold temperatures, which can damage the pump. Plus, storms do not stop in the fall! Give it a good cleaning and check to make sure it is functional.

If you need help completing your fall plumbing checklist or discover something requiring a professional’s attention, give Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing a call.

Related Topics: Plumbing Tips // Residential Plumbing

By: Tom Hartel

I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.