5 Ways to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Autumn

Fall is the most wonderful time of year. The nights get cool, the air gets crisp, and everyone starts wondering how they can turn their yards into magical pumpkin patches. But Autumn also brings a few challenges for homeowners who have to deal with or need to call experienced Plumber Caroline Springs wide. 

One of the biggest issues? Pipes freezing in cold weather or trees being so close to sewer lines that roots block them from running properly. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these issues from happening in the first place—and here's what you should know about them:

Clear Your Gutters and Drainpipes

It's important to keep your gutters and drainpipes clear of debris so water can flow freely. If you don't, you're likely to have a problem with water backing up into your basement or yard.

Your gutters should be cleaned out at least once per year, ideally during the fall when leaves aren't falling, and you're not worried about birds nesting in them. If you have a lot of foliage near your home or other debris that makes regular cleaning difficult, it's best to clean them more often than that—every four months is good practice.

Take Care of Any Nagging Leaks. 

One of the most common causes of plumbing issues in the Autumn is leaky faucets. To prevent leaks, check for drips or other minor problems in your home's pipes regularly. 

When you're not actively paying attention to your home's water usage, it can be easy to forget that a small leak can add up and cause major damage over time. 

If you find a persistent bubble or have any other plumbing problems, call Plumber Hoppers Crossing wide to fix them immediately before they become more serious issues that cost even more money later on down the road.

If you notice any mould in your bathroom or kitchen—such as discoloured grout around tubs and showers—it could mean a leak nearby. It's important not only because it looks bad but also because it can lead to health problems such as allergy attacks, among other things, if left untreated indefinitely (not so fun).

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

The one thing you need to check, however, is your outdoor faucet.

There's no reason for you to try and do this on your own — it can take hours and be incredibly difficult. 

If you have a plumber do it for you, however, they'll be able to quickly winterise the pipes with minimal risk of damage so that when spring comes around again, there won't be any issues.

The longer wait times that come with frozen pipes can cause costly repairs and replacements later on down the line if not prevented beforehand with regular checks during fall weather changes (as discussed above). 

On top of preventing problems from occurring in the long run, having an experienced professional winterise your outdoor faucets before the cold weather sets in.

 

Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater should be set between 120 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect range to keep your pipes in good working order. 

Check the thermostat and pressure relief valve. Look at both of these components, as they can indicate potential problems with your system that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Check the tank for leaks. This will ensure that there are no holes in your tank—which could lead to serious damage if not addressed immediately—and also help you detect any other issues that may arise over time. 

The key to your peace of mind is to contact professionals Plumber Hoppers Crossing who can help prepare your plumbing system for Autumn.

Seal the Gaps

It is necessary to call on your local plumber regularly to help identify potential problems in your plumbing system. These eagle-eyed plumbers can find the gaps likely to cause issues. Gaps between the walls and pipes naturally develop over time. 

The gap would allow cold air to penetrate and cause pipes to freeze during the cold months of Autumn and winter. With the help of experts, the pipes can be sealed using caulking, insulation, and weather stripping techniques.

Conclusion

We hope these tips helped you understand why these problems happen and what you can do to prevent them. We know that your plumbing system is important to your home's comfort—and we hope it stays in perfect working order for many autumns to come!