Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Fall

Fall is coming, which means that winter is just around the corner. Here’s what you need to know to keep your plumbing system ready to go no matter what happens. Make sure you don’t have any plumbing emergencies this winter when you get these tasks done now.

Check Your Sewer Line

It’s a good idea to check your sewer line every fall. Your Rowell’s plumber can send a camera on a flexible cable down your line to find out if you need sewer cleaning or pipe relining. If you do, we’ll arrange for hydrojetting (a type of sewer cleaning) or other services. We can even do your pipe relining fast so you won’t have problems with either leaks or clogs in your sewer this winter.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready Before You Go on Vacation

If you’re like most people, you travel for holidays or fall break. Make sure your thermostat is set higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit or that you have a smart thermostat installed. That way, you can monitor your home’s temperature and turn on your heater from your smartphone while you’re away. You may also want to insulate your pipes, especially those outside of your home or on exterior walls. That way, they are less likely to freeze even if your furnace has a problem.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

Since your sump pump gets rid of water in your basement or other low-lying areas of your home, you’ll want to check it before winter storms come. Our plumbers include maintenance in their sump pump services or you can do it yourself. Simply fill up the bucket and see if the pump turns on. It should get rid of the water fast! If it doesn’t, you may need more extensive sump pump services. We’ll make sure it’s all working well before winter comes!

Set Your Water Heaters Up for Success

If you haven’t done much with your hot water heater in the last year, it may need a tuneup before it’s ready for winter. We can do that or we can simply flush it for you. Check, too, that your hot water heater temperature is set to 120, as this is ideal for most homes and families. Finally, most water heaters last less than 12-15 years. If yours is older than that, consider replacing it before winter comes.

Prep Outside, Too

Make sure you’ve removed all hoses from exterior faucets and drained those faucets. These pipes are the most likely to freeze and this can prevent that problem. Make sure your faucets aren’t leaking, too, so the pipes will stay empty once you have cleared them out. If you have a sprinkler system, have it blown out so the pipes under the ground don’t freeze, too.

At Rowell’s Services, we would be happy to help you get your house ready for winter. Call us this fall and we’ll come get your maintenance done so you won’t have to worry anymore. Make your appointment soon to get in before the first freeze!

Click here to make your plumbing maintenance appointment with Rowell’s today!