The beginning of fall means pretty sights of bright leaves, warm colors, and apple cider. For all the beauty of the season, it also means getting ready for falling temperatures. After experiencing an incredibly hot summer, homeowners might appreciate cooler weather. As you look forward to chilly evenings, don’t forget about the plumbing. Not many homeowners think about the plumbing system until it’s late into winter. The cold season in Maryland can be brutal on your indoor plumbing, which is why adequate preparation is necessary. Fall is the best time to service and repair fixtures and appliances to enable them to handle the dropping temperatures. This guide highlights the areas to focus on.
Sump Pumps
The cold season comes with snow, rain, and ice, which could mean flooding risks. Some sections of your home, like the basement, can collect water when it rains heavily, and a sump pump prevents that. The appliance pumps water out of the house. Since it is not used often, the sump pump tends to be neglected quite a bit. You might only notice the machine’s faulty when trying to run it. Extreme temperatures can damage the appliance, leaving you in trouble in case your home floods. Therefore, ensure your sump pump is in working condition during the fall. Professional technicians can inspect and fix the unit in time for the rainy season.
Water Heaters
The water heater is one of the units that have to work the hardest when temperatures start falling. Hot water needs increase exponentially throughout fall and winter. You want more hot water in the showers, faucets, and tubs. So, the water heater has to operate at a high capacity to satisfy these demands. The more people they are in the house, the more the heater has to work. Increased activity can wreak havoc on your appliance, especially if it is an old one. Underlying issues can come up during this time due to regular use. Sediment buildup is one common water heater problem in the fall. Without cleaning sediment and other substances, the heater might corrode. Faulty components reduce efficiency, causing the appliance to consume a lot of energy and inflate your bills. For these reasons, ensure the water heater is working optimally and has the capacity to meet your home’s hot water requirements. An engineer should check the heating elements, thermocouple, pilot, and other parts that malfunction during the cold season.
Pipes
Frozen pipes are some of the biggest plumbing issues during winter. The problem is that some homeowners wait until the cold season to protect their pipes. Fall is the right time to think about the piping. Insulation decreases exposure to low temperatures, thus preventing pipes from freezing. Hence, insulate all pipes that might be exposed to the cold. Don’t assume that hidden pipes, such as those in crawl spaces, are not in danger. Before insulation, ensure all pipes are in good condition. It would be a waste to insulate an already leaking pipe, however small the leak is. So, have a plumber check your pipes, in case they leak, are corroded, or have water flow issues. Some installations might be too old to last through fall and winter, meaning they would have to be replaced. A thorough inspection of the piping network allows plumbers to fix any faults before they get worse due to extreme temperatures.
These are a few tips for your fall plumbing maintenance, but you can do a lot more as winter approaches.
Contact Reliable Professionals
The servicing and maintenance of your home’s plumbing system should be left to experts. Whether you want a full appliance inspection, repairs, or replacements, hire the right technicians to ensure everything is ready for fall. Coldwright Plumbing is a reputable company that provides various services in Harford and Baltimore County. Contact us for seasonal maintenance and enjoy fall without worrying about your plumbing system.
