Don’t Sweat the Fall Stuff: 4 Plumber-Approved Jobs to Prepare for Fall

Is that a pumpkin spice latte in your hand? Same here! Yes, we’re adding extra cobwebs to our Halloween decorations and airing our chunky knits, but we’re also checking up on a few small plumbing-related jobs, which will make a big difference as the weather turns even colder and wetter. We recommend taking half an hour this Sunday to run through this to-do list. Each job takes only 5 minutes or so, but they’ll give you a realistic idea of your home’s health and save you dividends in the long run.

Water Heater Maintenance

Cold showers in the summer are one thing. Cold showers in the fall or winter? No thanks. It’s worth taking a few moments to check if your water heater is working properly or if it’s time to schedule a service. Try one or all of these steps:

Check the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s working properly. Start by placing a bucket underneath the valve and lifting the lever for a couple of seconds. Hot water should flow out. Consider flushing your water heater to remove buildup and sediment. Depending on the age and condition of your water heater, it might be time to replace the anode rod. This small component is essential to the functioning of your heater and is the kind of job that’s best done before you notice any problems.

If you have any issues with the above steps or if your water heater is a little bit tricky to operate, it might be easier to just schedule a tech visit with us. Over our 45 years of repairs and installations, we’ve built up an impressive reputation for getting the best out of even the most temperamental water heaters.

Check for Leaks

This is a really important routine task that can save you time, money, and heartbreak later down the road. We recommend doing a quick check in every room where there are water outlets or drains. Make sure that the faucets are flowing smoothly and that the water connectors or hoses are also leak-free. A few places most folks forget to check include:

Under sinks. Make sure your drains are clear of blocks and that water is able to drain easily. Washing machine connectors. Even a small leak can lead to damage, so it’s worth making sure all connections are rust-free and well-fitted.
Garden hoses and sprinkler connectors. Outdoor leaks can be just as destructive as indoor leaks.

Clear Gutters and Drains

Yes, we’re talking leaves. And fruit trees, too, if you have them. Next time you’re raking the lawn, take a few minutes to clean one or two gutters and a drain. It makes a big job a lot more manageable and will help you ensure all gutters and drains are regularly cleared.

Test Your Sump Pump

It’s a bad idea to wait for cold or even icy weather to make sure your sump pump is working well. To check everything is in order, simply fill the sump pit with water and watch to make sure the pump kicks in and drains the water effectively. If you’re feeling really motivated to give your pump some love, we recommend this “Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist” from R.C. Worst & Co.

If you notice any issues with any of the above, get in touch with us to schedule a tech visit! We’re obviously great at fixing leaks and drain clogs, but we also have specialized equipment to clear very serious gutter blocks and stubborn drain debris associated with this time of year.