As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change color, it’s also a good time to give some thought to your plumbing system. Fall’s precipitation and cooler temperatures put a damper on plumbing and water systems, making them less efficient and clogging drains. Preparing your plumbing for the changes and hazards of autumn is essential.
Among the plumbing issues you could encounter are:
Pipe Freeze and Burst
Canada has a notoriously severe climate. More than 200 people in Toronto called the police this winter to complain that they had no running water as a result of frozen pipes. Lows of -3 degrees Celsius have been recorded in the autumn. Extremely low temperatures can cause problems for plumbing systems by causing pipes to freeze and rupture.
Problematic Heaters
The colder autumn air causes the ground and subsurface pipes to cool. When the heating system is supplied with cold water, it must work harder to restore the desired temperature throughout the building. Overworking your water heater due to this issue could lead to system failure if not addressed.
The fall is not the best time to discover that your water heater is broken. There is a risk that repairs to restore your water supply will be delayed since plumbers are already swamped with other requests for service.
Drain Blockage
The fall foliage is breathtaking to behold and creates a picturesque atmosphere. More cases of drain clogs are reported in the fall because of the leaves, but few people realize that their homes’ plumbing systems are also affected. Leaves that have fallen from trees can clog drains and accumulate in gutters.
Preparing Your Plumbing for the Fall Season
Here are some important things you can do to prevent plumbing problems this season:
No. 1: Make Sure Your Gutters and Drains are Clean
Aged infrastructure or lack of maintenance over the past decade has led to water damage. It’s equal to half of the total expense of claims in the province of Quebec. It is also expected to increase in the next few years. Other parts of Canada are experiencing the same tendencies.
The accumulation of leaves in your gutters and downspouts can cause serious problems. Their duty is to prevent leaks that could damage the house’s ceiling or structure. If you keep up with their upkeep, you won’t have to worry about any clogs or structural damage.
No. 2: Do Maintenance on Your Water Heaters
Check your water heater for leaks to make sure there are none. Since water heaters are used more frequently in the fall, it’s a good idea to have a plumber check it up before it gets too cold. Prevent delays and costly repairs by having your water heater serviced before the temperatures dip.
Inspecting a water heater entails the following steps:
- Taking a look at the water heater’s gas supply system
- Thorough analysis of gas, including reading labels and determining fuel type
- Verifying the integrity of the piping and other parts of the installation
- Ensure that nothing is getting through to the burner by inspecting the drip legs or sediment traps.
- Taking readings of water’s volume growth.
No. 3: Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
It’s not a good idea to leave hoses outside in the cold. Both the container and the water itself expand as the temperature drops. Most hoses are constructed from flexible materials that are less likely to fail suddenly. Ice melts slowly, so by the time the pipe is no longer in danger, the harm has been done.
The expansion will also freeze and shatter any faucets to which the hose is connected. Disconnect the hoses, drain any remaining water, and store them inside until it warms up again.
No. 4: Shut-Off Exterior Plumbing System
Your home must have an internal shut-off valve that leads to the exterior plumbing system. It makes sense to turn off the indoor valve and turn on the outdoor faucet in order to drain the water. If there is no water to freeze, your plumbing system is less likely to crack.
No. 5: Plug Gaps in Pipes
Regular visits from your neighborhood plumber will allow you to catch problems early on. These experts are trained to spot potential weak spots before they become major issues. There will be gaps between the pipes and the walls eventually. The hole would let cold air in during the fall and winter, which might cause the pipes to freeze.
During the warmer spring and summer months, these may also cause a significant increase in your utility costs. Experts can help you seal the pipes using methods like caulking, insulation, and weather stripping.
No. 6: Install Pipe Insulation
If you live in Canada and the autumns are occasionally exceptionally chilly, you may want to consider replacing your plumbing before winter arrives. You probably shouldn’t start googling “plumbers near me” as the snow begins to fall.
As part of your yearly plumbing system maintenance, you should insulate your pipes with rubber so that only hot water runs, even in the winter. Protecting your outdoor pipes from the coming winter’s freeze will save you a ton of money once the weather warms up and the planet thaws.
Recognize the shifts in the seasons and make the necessary adjustments. Protecting your pipes, keeping your comfort level, and lowering the likelihood of costly repairs and replacements can all benefit from prompt action. If you prepare your plumbing for the fall, you can prevent a number of potential problems.
The key to relaxation is getting in touch with professionals who can help you winterize your plumbing system. In addition to regular inspections and maintenance, BJC Plumbers is also ready for any plumbing emergencies that may arise. If you require expert help, please contact us.