Autumn has arrived, and with it comes a to-do list to keep your home plumbing in peak condition. Keep reading to learn more from the plumbing experts at Clog Pro Plumbing.
Interior Plumbing Maintenance For Fall
• Address Slow Drainage
If you have any slow-moving drains in the home, it is better to confront those issues now before you start experiencing the additional guests that come with the holidays.
• Adjust Water Heater Temperature
The temperature should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and fall.
• Insulate Piping
It is advisable to insulate all indoor piping that is not in a heated area, including crawlspaces, basements and garages. This is also the time to reinspect already installed insulation.
• Test Your Water Pressure
Test your hot water heater pressure release valve by lifting the lever and letting it go. If it is working properly, a small burst of hot water will flush into the drainage.
• Flush Your Water Heater
Water heaters should be flushed biannually. Autumn and spring are ideal times of the year to do it. Flushing is rather simple maintenance that most homeowners can do themselves.
• Inspect And Clean Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps should receive a quarterly inspection. They should also receive an annual inspection and cleaning from a professional, and fall is a great time to schedule.
Exterior Plumbing Maintenance For Fall
• Clean Your Gutters
Remove debris from gutters. If gutters have leaf guards, ensure that they are clear and intact. Run water to ensure that downspouts are clear and draining away from the home.
• Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Irrigation systems should be professionally winterized.
• Detach Water Hoses
Once you are done watering for the season, detach your hoses, roll them up and store them. Attached hoses can freeze and thus damage the spigot and the internal piping.
• Check Spigots And OutooR Faucets For Leaks
Turn them off. If your outdoor faucets have shutoff valves, turn those off as well. Dry the spigots and faucets, and recheck in a half hour.
• Cover Spigots
Once your hoses are removed, cover all of your spigots with insulators. Such covers are waterproof and will help to prevent freezing of the spigot and the indoor pipe.
• Insulate Exposed Piping
If you have piping that is perhaps in a crawlspace but near the exterior of the home, these should be protected with a heavier-duty insulation that can protect against freezing.
• Set Vacation Mode
If you plan to leave your home for an extended period, put it in vacation mode. In fall, this means disabling the main water valve and setting the home heating to no lower than 55°F.
Fall Plumbing Maintenance
Performing these simple maintenance tasks this fall can potentially save you a lot of time and money later down the road. A little oversight like forgetting to disconnect your water hose can lead to frozen or even burst pipes, ruining your entire plumbing system.
If you have any questions about the plumbing tips listed above, please feel free to contact us. We serve homeowners and businesses in the Portland OR and Vancouver WA area. We’re happy to help our customers!