Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Fall

Although it may seem premature, we want to get you maintenance tips nice and early so that when autumn does come, you are ready. The main goal when preparing the plumbing at your home or business is to prevent damage that can lead to leaks.

We always recommend diligence when the seasons change. In all honesty, 20 minutes of quick prep work can save you loads of headaches once winter comes. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Plumbing Utah to speak with a specialist.

Things you can do to prepare your plumbing for fall

1. Check your outdoor hoses and faucets. If you have outdoor faucets and hoses, you must ensure they are properly disconnected. Once the hose has been disconnected, you will want to drain all water and store the hose in a safe, dry place until next season. Finally, inspect the faucet or fixture to ensure no visible signs of leaking, cracks, or anything that should be repaired before winter brings its freeze.
2. Turn your internal shut-off valves. A valve in your home or business should supply water to your outside fixtures. Turn the valves to the “off” position to stop water from being provided to these pipes. Doing this will help ensure moisture stays in the lines over winter.
3. Properly insulate pipes that are not in the house or heated areas. You can purchase simple pipe insulation kits from your local hardware store. They should have reasonably straightforward instructions to help insulate your pipes over the cold winter months. Should your pipes freeze, we are happy to offer local pipe-thawing services to anyone needing them.
4. Inspect your sump pumps. It would help if you inspected your sump pump before it begins to frost in the mornings. Make sure that your sump pump is appropriately draining and showing no signs of leaks. Should standing water be allowed to rest, it can freeze and prevent your sump pump from working. This is also a sign that damage can happen due to the expanding water. If you are concerned about the condition of your sump pump, contact our office to request a sump pump inspection from an expert plumber.
5. Flush and inspect your water heater. It should come as no surprise that your water heater will work harder in winter to produce the same level of hot water. We recommend flushing your water heater before winter to remove sediment buildup. You will also want to perform a quick inspection for any signs of leaks, cracks, or anything that can show signs of an impending problem.