Many think of Fall as a festive and cozy season, especially as the holidays draw nearer and nearer. What many don’t think about is that Fall also brings cool temperatures that can wreak havoc on our homes’ plumbing system if not properly maintained.
To keep Fall a festive time of year and avoid adding stress to the holiday season, make sure you’re aware of these common fall plumbing problems and how to avoid them.
#1 Flooded Basements
If your gutters and downspouts are not properly cleared of fall leaves, they can become clogged and prevent the proper flow of water away from your home. Water not directed away from your home can surround your foundation and end up in your basement.
Take Action: Clean gutters and downspouts of all fall debris or call in an expert to inspect them for you.
#2 Frozen Pipes
If you forget to drain and disconnect outdoor hoses, the water inside may freeze as early as the first frost. Water expands as it freezes, meaning your hose may burst. But, it’s not just the hose you need to worry about – the freezing and bursting can happen in the pipes leading from the hose into your home as well.
Take Action: Completely drain your outdoor hose, disconnect it from your home and store it in the garage or basement for the fall and winter season.
#3 Blocked Drainage
If your sinks and tubs are draining slower than usual, fall leaves could be the culprit. Falling leaves can collect in your drainage system, causing a blockage or backup. This is especially a problem if your drain cover was not properly installed or is aged. You may not be terribly concerned with slow draining sinks, but if blockage is left unchecked it could change from slow drain to no drain at all, or worse flooding in your home.
Take Action: Call a professional plumber to inspect and clean your sewer and drainage systems.
#4 Malfunctioning Water Heaters
Changes in ground temperature mean changes in water temperature. During the colder months, water entering your water heater will be colder than water entering during summer. This means your water heater has to work double time to warm up the water. If your water heater has not been properly maintained or recently serviced, it may not be ready to take on the added work and could malfunction. Avoid cold showers in the dead of winter by ensuring your water heater is ready for the next season.
Take Action: Call a professional plumber to inspect your water heater’s condition and recommend proper maintenance.