Prepare for Fall with These Plumbing Maintenance Tips

The arrival of Fall doesn’t just signal the changing colors of the leaves or the end of Summer. With July and August normally being the driest months in Washington, Fall is the beginning of the rainy season and typically when the temperatures start to drop. Before it starts to get wetter and colder outside is the best time to start thinking about your plumbing system and any maintenance it might need. Regular plumbing maintenance is important year round, but there are a few things that you can take care of during the months of Fall to keep your plumbing system healthy and to ensure a longer lifespan during the harsh Winter. 

If your home or plumbing is newer, then it’s wise to consider scheduling maintenance for all of your plumbing twice or at least once a year. Older homes or homes with older plumbing systems will most likely require more frequent maintenance depending on various factors. However, if you haven’t scheduled regular maintenance for your Renton plumbing system, there are a few things that you can prioritize.

1. Find and fix leaks

Fixing leaks are always a good place to start when it comes to plumbing health and longevity. The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Not only can leaks waste your water and money over time, but it can also leave your plumbing vulnerable to the elements. When the temperature is at its coldest, a leak in your plumbing can lead to burst or cracked pipes. A crack is all it takes for even more water to escape and it can lead to unexpected damage and costly repairs. 

2. Clean out your water heater tank

Water heaters usually go into overtime once the weather starts to cool down and in the months leading up to winter, hot water is a precious resource. For those who have a water heater with a storage tank, you should have your heater cleaned and flush out all of the water inside. Cleaning the tank will remove any sediment or other buildup that’s been left behind. A clean and clear water heater tank means that you don’t need to worry about sediment blocking the water or the water heater’s ability to provide an adequate supply of hot water when you need it.

3. Check your sump pump 

Sump pumps are vital if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. If your sump pump hasn’t been maintained or if it’s not in the best of shape, then you could end up failing when you need it most. Before the rain really starts to fall, make sure to clean out the sump pump pit and check it for any signs of damage or deterioration. Sump pumps are susceptible to extremely cold temperatures like any other plumbing fixture and therefore they need to be protected with standard winterizing techniques.

If you need help getting your plumbing in order this season, then call Trusted Plumbing & Heating, Renton’s most trusted and reliable plumbing company. We offer leak detection, water heater maintenance, and sump pump repairs. When you need plumbing maintenance call Trusted Plumbing & Heating!