The children are back to school, leaves are falling from the trees and there’s now a nip in the air – fall has arrived! Along with the colder temperatures and the falling leaves, autumn brings with it some plumbing issues that may arise in your home. The following tips will help you rectify these problems, or solve them before they occur.
1) Frost.
The calendar may say it is October, but the weather may definitely make it feel like December. Ensure that you keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially overnight temperatures, for it may dip below zero on some nights. If the dreaded “0” – or even close to 0 – appears on your forecast, you should detach all hoses from your outside taps, as even a temperature of 0 can freeze your pipes when they are attached to a hose; yes, even those frost-free faucets! If you operate an underground sprinkler system, the pipes should be drained and turned off as well.
2) Hot water tank care.
As the weather gets colder, there is a good chance you will have to use your hot water tank for heat. As such, you should ensure that your hot water tank is working properly. This includes checking the bottom of the pan to look for water; if your tank is dripping or if there is water at the bottom, a plumber should be called as soon as possible to fix the problem.
3) Drain tiles.
Take a walk around your home, paying special attention to the drain tiles. Drain tiles are a perforated pipe that is then covered in gravel, which pipes excess water away from your home. During this inspection, clear away any leaves or debris from on or around the tiles, as this can cause the drain to overflow and possibly flood parts of your home and yard. Check the tiles for any damage as well, as these should be replaced or fixed before the snow flies.
4) Septic/sewer system.
The fall, winter and spring months can overtax your septic/sewer system, so the beginning of fall is a good time to call in a plumber to conduct maintenance and check for any future problems that may arise as the system gets more use. Fall is also a good time to drain your septic tank if you have one.
5) General maintenance.
Conducting general maintenance around your home, including inspecting for leaky faucets or other pipes, is generally a good idea as well. This way you can catch a problem before it becomes a disaster.
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