Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Your plumbing system accounts for roughly 15 percent of your home’s total value. You also rely on this system day in and day out, so it only makes sense to take care of it. Proper maintenance ensures that you have constant access to fresh, clean water for drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes. It also guarantees a sanitary way for waste and wastewater to be diverted away from your home.

With the days getting shorter and temperatures beginning to drop, now is the time to start thinking about fall plumbing maintenance. The coming seasons take a serious toll on residential plumbing systems, but following these guidelines helps make sure your system is ready.

Inside Fall Plumbing Maintenance

Inspect all faucets and water lines for leaks. If you detect any problems, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Inspect and clean out your sump pump to ensure that it will function if you need it during the coming months.
Make sure your water heater is set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a water heater with a storage tank, flush the tank to remove sediment.
Test your water heater’s pressure release valve. Lift the lever then let it snap back. If the value is working like it should, it will allow a burst of hot water to enter the drain pipe.
Insulate cold and hot water lines, especially in cold areas like basements and crawl spaces.

Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance

Remove your garden hose from the outdoor spigot.
If possible, turn off the water valves for all outdoor faucets and drain the water from the lines.
Inspect all outdoor faucets for leaks, and have any problems repaired before winter.
Cover outdoor faucets with insulation covers.
If you have an irrigation system, have it winterized before freezing temperatures set in.

If you need a hand with fall plumbing maintenance in the Rochester, New York area, we can help. Contact G.T. Campbell Plumbing today for all your plumbing maintenance and repair needs. Call 585-355-1463.