It happens every year. We’re enjoying the warm summer months, and then you wake up and realize that fall has arrived. It’s always a rush to get our homes and yards ready for winter, which also has a tendency to sneak up on us. However, with a bit of planning and fall home maintenance, you can prevent common plumbing problems and enjoy a trouble-free autumn. Take a look at our suggested fall plumbing checklist:
Eavestroughs and downspouts
Falling leaves and needles can quickly block your drain spouts. Cleaning them out before it gets too cold will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Backed-up water can also get into your roof and foundation and cause major headaches, especially in the winter. An overflowing eavestrough can encourage ice to form on your sidewalks and paths, creating a slipping hazard. Also remember to be careful when you’re up on a ladder!
- Outdoor water connections and hoses
Taps used for watering your garden and washing your car need to be shut off from inside your house and drained. If you leave water in your taps, you’ll have a higher risk of frozen, broken pipes. The result can be a water leak outside, or worse, a flooded basement.
- Pools, ponds, and fountains
Don’t wait until the cold weather sets in to take care of your outdoor water features. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for pools and plastic ponds. Clean out the leaves, branches and debris from your natural ponds, and empty and wash your fountains and bird baths so they’re ready for the spring.
- Foundation and decks
Remove any piles of leaves or branches that might keep water from flowing away from your house. Remember that when the snow flies and the temperature goes below freezing, it’s too late. Keeping the area around your foundation, walkways and decks unobstructed allows water and melting snow to drain away from your house.
Once you’ve gone through this checklist, your house and yard will be ready for the cooler seasons. We know that in the Greater Syracuse area, fall can quickly turn to winter, so it’s best to get your fall plumbing maintenance out of the way while it’s still warm. Mr. Rooter is a licensed plumbing team that is certified by Onondaga County for plumbing leak detection or any plumbing related project, so call us for all your plumbing needs this fall.