There’s so much to love about the fall season in Ohio – fall foliage, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and crisp weather. Each of these is a prerequisite to a fun-filled fall season. But don’t forget, amidst all the fall festivities, there are a few inevitable aspects of the season that, if left unattended, can turn into huge headaches instead of a fun memory. Therefore, it would be a good idea to use Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain’s fall plumbing maintenance checklist to help you whip your home into shape as we face the fall season head-on.
WHAT IS ON OUR FALL PLUMBING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST?
- NUMBER 1: CLEAN GUTTERS- Those beautiful red and yellow leaves you enjoy looking at in the fall quickly accumulate inside your gutters, turning into a not-so-beautiful pile of muck and sludge. When this occurs, it creates unwanted obstructions and prevents your gutters and drains from performing their purpose. In order to prevent this from happening, we suggest that homeowners take the time to clear out their gutters at least one time during the fall season. If left unchecked, all that loose debris can create further issues later on. The last thing you want if your gutters to omit an off-putting smell during your yearly Thanksgiving event.
- NUMBER 2: CONSIDER PIPE INSULATION- It’s no secret that winter gets really cold in Ohio. So, if you have uncovered plumbing fixtures or pipework in an open, unheated space (I.e., your basement, garage, or crawlspace), it wouldn’t be a bad idea to wrap your pipes in pipe insulation. This is a great fall plumbing project you can easily take on this season. The good news is that most local home improvement stores offer reasonably priced pipe insulation kits! Easy peasy!
- NUMBER 3: CHECK FOR LEAKAGE & DRIPPING- Right now is the ideal time to check for any drips and leaks in your home. It’s not crazy cold yet, but Ohio winters have been known to get pretty frigid! You don’t want to postpone checking for leaks and drips when temperatures drop below freezing. Remember, preventative maintenance is key! Plumbing disasters can lead to cost extensive repairs, so we think it’s crucial to be proactive and inspect and take care of any leaks now while the weather is optimal.
- NUMBER 4: DISCONNECT THE GARDEN HOSE- Whether you are the type of person who enjoys yardwork or hates it, it makes no difference in the fall season, indicating one particular thing – less yard work! Just remember, as you put your lawn tools up for the season, don’t overlook the garden hose! Your garden hose should be disconnected, drained, wrapped up, and put away. In addition, be sure to double-check that the fixture is properly turned off.
- NUMBER 5: TURN OFF OUTDOOR FAUCETS- This kind of goes hand in hand with the above point, but if you have more than one outdoor faucet or fixture, don’t discount the importance of checking and turning off each of these. Even if it’s an outdoor faucet you have not used this past summer, it never hurts to be safe and double-check!
- NUMBER 6: INSPECT THE WATER HEATER- Your water heater should be inspected by a plumbing professional once a year at the minimum. This is the best form of upkeep you can implement for your water heater. Doing so will ensure your water heater is running at its highest capacity, and you won’t be blasted with that first bit of freezing water before you get in to take your showers in the middle of the winter. That’s most definitely never fun!
To take the best care of your home’s plumbing work, preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your plumbing is kept up to par and working smoothly! If you are in need of a local plumbing company you can trust, look no further! Feel free to call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!