Fall is rapidly approaching, and as the leaves start to change colors and the air gets cooler, it’s important to remember that the change in weather can put added stress on your plumbing. During this time of year, temperatures can go from warm to freezing rapidly, and therefore it’s important to take steps to protect your plumbing through the season.
As you settle into the season, remember to take these steps to keep your plumbing operating as efficiently as possible.
Clear Your Gutters and Drainpipes
Falling leaves can cause serious problems for your gutters and drainpipes. Because these pipes exist to prevent overflows on your roof or the foundation around your home, it’s important to maintain them to make sure they can serve you in their purpose of preventing damage to your house. Take the time to clear them out regularly during autumn, and check out our post about cleaning and repairing your gutters if you need help getting started.
Service Your Hot Water Heater
Fall is the best time of year to service your water heater, as a little bit of care will ensure it is functioning properly for the winter. If you neglect to service it, you may accidentally find yourself without warm water at some point during the winter months. Getting a tune up now will almost always be more affordable than waiting until there’s a problem – and will cause far fewer headaches, too.
Uncouple Any Outdoor Hoses
It’s extremely important to unhook any outdoor hoses, as water that remains in the hoses can cause serious damage to your pipes should the water freeze. Even small cracks can create significant problems, so protect your plumbing by ensuring all your hoses are uncoupled before the temperature drops below 32 degrees.
Insulate Your Pipes
Don’t wait for the first snowflakes to decide it’s time to insulate your pipes. Protect your plumbing in the fall by lining your pipes with foam rubber insulation to ensure you’ll have warm water flowing throughout the winter months. Outdoor pipes are particularly prone to freezing, so be absolutely certain to safeguard these before temperatures dip.
If you have questions about protecting your plumbing this fall, your friends at Zurn can help. Contact us to see how we can help you, and we’ll look forward to hearing from you!
