It’s likely that your ever-expanding list of things to do is growing by the day as we are currently immersed in the fall season. Whether it’s a pleasant list of autumn activities you’ve been looking forward to doing with your family or an unsightly list of household chores – whatever the case may be, don’t overlook your home plumbing in the process. It’s not news that Ohio winters are chilly. So, what can you do to make sure your plumbing is functioning well this winter? Your local experts from Loveland Plumbing & Drain suggest that homeowners take advantage of the good weather now to get any needed repairs done. That way, your plumbing system will be prepared for the cold weather that is on its way. So, please take a seat, and let’s have a conversation about some essential things you can do this fall to finish off your plumbing maintenance checklist!
1. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAUCETS?
To begin, go around both the inside and outside of your home to check all faucets and sinks for leaks. So, be sure to get any leaks, or dripping faucets fixed should you notice any water droplets or proof of leakage! If something as little as this is left unchecked, it can quickly develop into a much more serious problem – especially during the winter months. In other words, it would be considerably more difficult for a plumber to assess the situation in the wintertime than in the fall when the weather is ideal, as frozen water can be a genuine problem.
2. WHAT ABOUT YOUR PIPES?
Let’s have a look at your pipes and plumbing fixtures now. If your home has an unheated basement, garage, or even crawl space, you may have exposed pipes or plumbing fixtures. This implies that they are visible and not well-protected from the cold winter weather. Although this isn’t always a bad thing, it’s vital to realize how harsh Ohio winters can be. When temperatures drop, pipes and plumbing fixtures can be prone to icing and bursting, especially on chilly evenings. As a resolution, keep in mind that pipe insulation kits are easy to come by at most home improvement stores. Thus, wrapping your pipes and plumbing fixtures is a great solution to decreasing the chances of your plumbing freezing and bursting.
3. WHAT ABOUT YOUR GUTTERS?
Gutters in the fall should be cleaned due to the number of leaves and filth that may build up inside them. Gutters that are never cleaned can build up a dam-like accumulation of icky muck and sludge, preventing them from draining properly and resulting in an overflowing disaster. Because of this, we advise that you have your gutters cleaned at least once during the fall season. Fortunately, this is something you may either perform yourself or hire someone to assist you to clear out your gutters.
4. WHAT ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER?
To prevent future difficulties, maintain your water heater on a regular basis. Look for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, drips, and leaks. A water heater should be inspected at least once a year by a professional plumber. This will ensure that everything is working properly and that no one is scalded during a bath or momentarily shocked by an ice-cold water stream in the shower.
5. WHAT ABOUT YOUR PLUMBING INSPECTION?
No matter how prepared you are, there will always be things beyond your control as a homeowner. To prevent any unwanted plumbing surprises, it’s best to get a yearly inspection done on the plumbing for your home. By having a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing once a year, you’re increasing the chance that your plumbing will function at its highest capacity, therefore prolonging its lifespan.
We offer a large selection of services, so we can assist you with any plumbing concerns you have. We’d be glad to help! You can call Loveland Plumbing & Drain at (513) 644-0556 or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!