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Understanding and Preventing Common Plumbing Problems in Autumn

Understanding and Preventing Common Plumbing Problems in Autumn

The arrival of autumn brings cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and beautiful colors. However, it also brings certain challenges, especially when it comes to plumbing. Many homeowners are unaware of the potential issues that can arise during this season, which can lead to costly repairs and inconveniences. Here we will explore some of the common plumbing problems that occur in autumn and provide valuable tips on how to prevent them. Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, this information will help you protect your plumbing system and maintain the functionality of your home.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Your Plumbing System

Before diving into specific issues, it is crucial to understand why autumn can be a challenging time for your plumbing system. As temperatures begin to drop, several factors come into play:

  • Freezing temperatures: In many regions, autumn marks the beginning of freezing temperatures. When this happens, any water left in outdoor pipes, hoses, or sprinkler systems can freeze and expand, leading to burst pipes and significant water damage.
  • Falling leaves and debris: Autumn is known for its stunning foliage, but those leaves can pose a significant threat to your plumbing system. If they accumulate in gutters or downspouts, they can clog the system and cause water to back up into your home.
  • Increased rainfall: In some areas, autumn brings an increase in rainfall. If your gutters and downspouts are not properly maintained, excess rainwater can overflow and create structural damage to your home.

Now that we understand the potential issues, let’s explore some of the most common plumbing problems that you may encounter during the autumn months.

a burst pipe in need of repair.

One of the most common and damaging plumbing problems in autumn is frozen or burst pipes.

1. Burst or Frozen Pipes

One of the most common and damaging plumbing problems in autumn is frozen or burst pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, any water-filled pipes exposed to the cold can freeze and expand. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack or burst. The damage can extend beyond the pipes themselves and impact your walls, floors, and belongings.

To prevent frozen or burst pipes:

  • Insulate exposed pipes: Identify any pipes that are located in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Use pipe insulation or heating tape to protect them from the cold and burst pipe emergencies.
  • Drain outdoor faucets and hoses: Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing inside and potentially damaging the connected pipes.
  • Keep the heat on: If you plan to be away from home during cold weather, set your thermostat to a temperature above freezing to ensure the pipes remain warm.
  • Open cabinet doors: For sinks located against exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

2. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters and downspouts, causing them to become clogged. This prevents water from flowing freely and can lead to serious water damage if left unaddressed. The weight of the debris-filled gutters can also pull away from the house, causing structural damage.

To prevent clogged gutters and downspouts:

  • Clean your gutters regularly: Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, ideally before autumn and after the leaves have fallen.
  • Install gutter guards: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves from entering and clogging the system. This will minimize the need for frequent cleaning.
  • Trim tree branches: If you have trees near your house, trim any overhanging branches that may deposit leaves directly into the gutters.
a failing sump pump in need of repair.

Regularly clean and maintain your sump pump to remove any debris that may hinder its functionality.

3. Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump is a critical component in many homes, especially those with basements or crawl spaces prone to flooding. In autumn, heavy rains can overload your sump pump and cause it to fail. This can lead to basement flooding and extensive water damage.

To prevent sump pump failure:

  • Test your sump pump: Before the rainy season, test your sump pump to ensure it is in proper working order. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing.

4. Septic System Issues

Autumn and heavy rainfall can place significant stress on septic systems. Excess water from heavy rains can oversaturate the drain field, leading to system failure and costly repairs.

To prevent septic system issues:

  • Conserve water: Be mindful of water usage during heavy rainfall periods. Minimize additional strain on the septic system by limiting unnecessary water usage.
  • Fix leaks promptly: Address any leaks or dripping faucets in your home to prevent additional water from entering the septic system.
  • Regularly pump your septic tank: Scheduled septic tank pumping service is essential for maintaining a healthy septic system. Contact a professional to determine the appropriate frequency for your tank.

As autumn heralds cooler weather and beautiful landscapes, it is important to be aware of potential plumbing problems that may arise during this season. Understanding the impact of seasonal changes on your plumbing system is the first step towards prevention. By implementing the preventative measures outlined in this article, you can safeguard your home and avoid costly repairs. Remember, if you encounter a plumbing issue that is beyond your capabilities, it is always best to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem.

8 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Fall

8 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Fall

Now that fall is around the corner, is your plumbing ready for the onslaught that often happens this season and in winter? During fall, your home is more likely to suffer a sewer backup as drains get clogged with fallen leaves. Pipes are also expected to freeze in the winter months.

But as temperatures continue to drop, you can avoid future problems if you take the necessary steps to protect your home’s plumbing, advises Advantage Property Management. Considering how much money they can save you, the steps for getting your plumbing ready for fall are very easy.

Here is our list of the eight most important maintenance tips for your home’s plumbing this fall.

Prepare your water heater

Lower temperatures mean you will need more hot water at this time of the year. To make sure the water heater is ready to handle the extra demand, you need to get the unit ready. The first step is to flush the water heater to eliminate sediment. 

Sediment inside your water heater tank will make it work harder and shorten its lifespan. In addition to flushing the water heater, you also need to have it serviced and choose the optimal thermostat setting for maximum efficiency.

Clean your gutters

The gutters and downspouts on your building may not feel like they are a part of your home’s plumbing, but they are. During fall, gutters quickly fill with debris as trees shed leaves and twigs. If gutters are not kept clean, they may divert water into the house’s roof, exterior walls, and foundation. 

Rusty or loose gutters may also cave in under the weight of snow. Gutters that are dirty and in disrepair expose your home to flooding and water damage risks.

Insulate exposed pipes

Leaving the pipes inside the house exposed or without insulation invites disaster.  Even if they are within an enclosed space – under the porch, in the crawlspace, or garage – pipes still need to be insulated. 

To keep them from freezing, exposed pipes in unheated spaces should be insulated. You can buy an insulation kit from your local store, and it doesn’t take too long to cover all your pipes. This is cheaper than replacing a burst pipe and fixing the damage it causes.

Seal cracks and openings

Pipes will still freeze if there is an opening in the wall of the room where they are located. Those gaps admit the cold air outside the home into the building, making the pipes in that space more liable to freezing. 

Cold air will also impact your HVAC and make it work harder. The common gaps occur at points where pipes enter the home. Inspect these areas for gaps and seal any openings with weather stripping, caulking, and insulation.

disconnect outdoor hoses at the end of Fall.

Leaving a garden hose connected during winter will also cause the pipes inside the home to freeze.

Disconnect outdoor hoses

Leaving a garden hose connected during winter will also cause the pipes inside the home to freeze. Garden hoses left outside are also likely to get damaged. That’s because they can expand and tear as the water inside them freezes. 

The same hose can cause a pipe to freeze and burst if it is connected. To preserve your garden hose, disconnect it, drain it of any remaining water and store it in a dry place.

Insulate outdoor faucets

After disconnecting the garden hose, you still need to secure your outdoor faucet. Outdoor faucets act as a bridge between the cold weather outside and the water within the pipes inside your home. They can transfer cold to those pipes and cause them to freeze. 

Freezing temperatures may also damage outdoor faucets and pipes. To protect the faucet, check it for leaks or drips and then cover it with a foam insulation kit. Turn it off if an interior shut-off valve is connected to the faucet. Lastly, leave the faucet open to drain any water inside it.

Check the sump pump

You may not need the sump pump in fall and winter. But as soon as the snow melts, your sump pump will spring into action, and you want it to be ready. The last thing you need is to wake up to a flooded basement. But that is precisely what might happen if you do not make time to check the sump pump in the fall. Sump pump failures do not announce themselves; typically, you will only find out after the damage is done.

Inspect your sewer

Fall and winter will overwork your sewer system. If there are any lingering issues, they can blow up, and before you know it, you are dealing with a sewer backup at the worst possible time. To prevent issues with your sewer during the colder months, you want to remove tree roots that may have grown in the spring and summer. You also want to have your sewer line camera inspected by a local plumber; make sure to resolve any uncovered issues.