As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves turn colors, you may be wondering if you’ve done everything possible to get it ready for the changing seasons. Before you go patting yourself on the back, don’t forget about your plumbing system. The right fall plumbing improvements and lifestyle changes can give you the peace of mind you deserve. Check out the following recommendations.
Stop Abusing the Garbage Disposal
Very few people can resist the temptation of tossing all their food waste down the disposal. Even though it may seem like the ideal place for it because it manages to grind everything up, it’s not. This temptation may seem stronger around the holidays.
Here are some tips for you to keep in mind about your garbage disposal.
- Never run hot water in your garbage disposal. It only causes liquid fats and grease to re-solidify.
- Shells, skins and fibrous membranes are not your disposal’s friend.
- Bones, corn cobs and coffee grounds should only go in the trash.
If you are ever in doubt about what you can and cannot toss down it, just toss it in the trash. Have your disposal inspected periodically to prevent mechanical problems.
Get a Fall Plumbing Inspection
Don’t wait until you experience flooding and water damage from a busted pipe before you contact your local plumber for a fall plumbing inspection. An inspection can prevent pipe failure and water damage. If repairs and replacements are necessary, you can get them out of the way before the cold temperatures set in.
Insulate Your Attic and Crawlspace
One challenge that many people encounter as the temperatures drop is warming their homes. Drafts, outdated heating equipment, and other issues can make your home a lot cooler than it should be in the colder months. Inspect your attic and crawlspace to determine how well they are insulated. If there is no insulation, very little or some stuff you don’t even recognize, you should contact an insulation for assistance.
Outdoor Irrigation Fixtures
It is important for you to remember that your outdoor water fixtures should be completely drained before it gets too cold outside. You should drain your hoses too. If you don’t, you could end up with some water damage and repair issues. Water expands as it starts to freeze. If there is enough water left inside of your water fixtures and hoses when it freezes, the pipes and portions of your home where they are attached could become damaged.
Check Your Sump Pump
Ideally, you should have your sump pump inspected and tested at least twice a year. Regular testing and inspections help you to avoid the need for repairs. Without them, you could end dealing with a basement that is full of sewage and water.
Insulate the Pipes
If your home has copper or PVC pipes, you should get in the habit of wrapping them in blankets or fabric to keep them from freezing. Because there is still some time to go until the freezing cold temperatures set in, you may want to wait another month or so. Of course, the sooner you do it in the fall, the better off you and your home will be. There’s no need for you to worry about forgetting it.
If your basement tends to stay cold, you should also consider insulating your water heater. Doing so can give you some surprising savings on your heating and energy bills. Steve Mull Plumbing is a group of professionals who are committed to resolving your plumbing needs. Regardless of the season, we are always here to help with expert plumbing advice, recommendations, and repairs. Check out our website to learn about our services.
