As you ring in the fall season, it’s probable that your ever-growing list of things to do is lengthening daily. Now whether that be a list consisting of fun fall activities you’ve been itching to complete with your loved ones or perhaps an unseemly list of household chores – whatever the case is, don’t forget about your residential plumbing in the process. It’s not new information that Ohio winters get rather chilly. So, what can you do in order to prevent an unfortunate situation from occurring with your residential plumbing during the winter? Your local Lebanon Plumbing & Drain service experts suggest homeowners utilize this ideal fall weather now to optimize plumbing maintenance to its utmost capacity and prepare your plumbing system for the cold that most definitely will be making it way closer to with each passing day. So, please pull up a chair and come along with us as we talk about a few important things you can cross off your fall plumbing maintenance checklist this season!
1. DID YOU CHECK YOUR FAUCETS?
First, walk around both the inside and outside of your home to inspect all faucets and sinks for leaks. If you see any water droplets or evidence of leakage, don’t leave it be! Smaller problems, like this one, can snowball into larger issues if left unchecked – especially during winter. Frankly, it would be much more complicated for a plumber to assess the problem then because frozen water is a real issue in cold weather.
2. DID YOU CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS?
Cleaning your gutters in the fall is very important because of all the leaves and debris that can accumulate. When gutters are left unchecked, they can build up a dam-like pile of icky muck and sludge that will prevent them from draining properly, resulting in an overflowing mess.
So, we highly recommend for you have your gutters cleaned one time during the fall season. Luckily, you have the choice of either doing it yourself or hiring someone to help you clear out your gutters.
3. DID YOU INSULATE YOUR PIPES?
Now, let’s discuss pipes and plumbing fixtures. If your home has an unheated basement, garage, or even crawl space, there is a chance that you have exposed pipes or plumbing fixtures. This means that they are visible and not well-protected from the cold weather. Although this isn’t necessarily bad, it is important to understand how severe Ohio winters can be. Pipes and plumbing fixtures can be susceptible to freezing and bursting when temperatures plummet or a cold front passes through, especially on chilly nights. Fortunately, pipe insulation kits are widely accessible at most home improvement retailers!
4. DID YOU INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER?
Conduct regular maintenance on your water heater to prevent any larger issues down the line. Check for things such as wear and tear, corrosion, leaks, and temperature settings. A water heater should be inspected at least once a year, typically by a competent professional. This will guarantee that everything is in good working order and that no one is scalded during a hot bath or struck with an ice-cold water stream during a shower.
5. DID YOU SCHEDULE A PLUMBING INSPECTION?
Despite our best-laid plans, there are times when we cannot control everything. Unfortunately, this includes your plumbing, even if you take all the precautionary measures possible. Yearly inspections are the best way to maintain your home. By scheduling an inspection with a licensed plumber, you’re ensuring that your plumbing will be able to make it through winter successfully. So, if you haven’t yet had a yearly inspection completed, call us today, and we will be happy to get you squared away!
We offer a wide range of services, so whatever your plumbing needs are, Lebanon Plumbing & Drain can help. We’d be delighted to assist you! Reach us at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!