Fall is right around the corner as summer comes to an end. There are a few things you need to do to make sure your plumbing is ready for the change in seasons.
Fall is right around the corner as summer comes to an end. But whether you didn’t expect to or not, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your plumbing is ready for the change in seasons. Here are some tips for how to do it right.
Unplug Outdoor Hoses
While it’s still warm out right now, you can never get started too early to prepare for chilly fall weather and frigid winter weather. Start protecting your plumbing by going around and unplugging every outdoor hose you own. You won’t need to water the lawn as much during the colder weather, anyway. If the hoses are left alone, then they could expand and contract as the weather changes. Frozen hoses can burst just like pipes can and leave behind serious damage on your home’s exterior.
Insulate Faucets
Speaking of your outdoor hoses, turn off the faucets they’re connected to. Once you’re done, insulate the faucets with kits that you can get at home improvement stores. By doing this, you can avoid potential water damage to your home once the weather actually does get colder.
Drain Your Heater
The next step is to drain your water heater. Draining and rinsing the buildup out of your water heater can keep it running more efficiently when you need it most. A hot shower on a cold day is one great way to warm up, especially after you’ve come inside from doing fall yard work like raking the leaves into piles that your kids and pets are excited to jump into.
Look at the Pressure Valve
Don’t forget to look at the pressure valve on the water heater. Pull on the lever attached to the heater and let it fall. But when you do this, you need to be careful so that you aren’t sprayed with hot water. You’ll know the valve is working because it will send some water into the drainpipe. If you don’t see that happen, then you’ll need a new pressure relief valve. Call a plumbing professional to help you out with this step.
All of Your Plumbing Needs from Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your dripping faucet (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.