Perform a Fall Plumbing Check Before Winter Sets In

As the kids go back to school and days get shorter, homeowners' thoughts begin to turn toward the start of winter again. Michigan winters can be hard on your home — particularly its plumbing and external utilities. So a little preparation while the weather is still good can save you money and frustration when the first snow hits.

How can you prep your house's vital plumbing system for the season? Here are five things to do.

As a homeowner, you can see many of the connections of the property's plumbing system with just a little investigation. Start with all the interior appliances — refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machines, etc. Pull them out when possible, and visually inspect them. Look for evidence of water leaks, seepage, loose connections, and worn hoses.

After you check the appliances, look at all the sinks, showers, and bathtubs in the home to check for water leakage, slow drains, rust, or buildup of minerals due to hard water. Then, check visible external piping as well. If you fix small problems before they become big ones, you save money and avoid surprises.

Fall means loose leaves that can make a real mess out of your yard as well as its drainage systems, gutters, downspouts, and irrigation controls. Once leaves cover up natural drainage areas and cause pooling or debris backups, winter snow and ice will turn those beautiful fall leaves into a thick, frozen, dirty mess.

Poor drainage outside could prevent a sump pump from doing its job properly and add to water problems in lower parts of the home. It may also damage the walls, foundation, and roof of the house. You may end up with rotting in exterior fixtures or irrigation controls. So, be sure to clear fallen leaves as soon as the majority are down and while weather is still decent.

When you wrap pipes and cover outside faucets you help prevent them from freezing when temperatures turn sub-zero. But if you wrap your external piping, it isn't a 'one and done' job. You should inspect the pipes annually to determine if prior years' insulation is still sufficient or if anything needs some new wrapping or taping. Failure to inspect pipe insulation could result in unexpected frozen pipes and even breakage during harsh freezes.

Along with freezing temperatures and short days, winter also brings a variety of holidays involving friends and lots of food. If you love to host gatherings during the fall and winter, you need drains that are unclogged and ready for use.

In addition to guests who need reliable, sanitary plumbing conditions, holiday cooking often brings out high fat and thick foods. Clear out any slow drains before you start to cook and party to prevent nasty surprises while your home is full.

Your water heater is vital during the winter cold. It keeps your showers warm and comfortable during the coldest time of the year.

So take the time to inspect it thoroughly. How old is the unit? Is it reaching the end of its useful life? Would it better to replace it now or wait until it breaks unexpectedly? Does it have sufficient insulated wrapping? Are all the wires, hoses, and connections in good working order? Do you need to turn up the temperature to provide warmth for holiday guests?

Once you answer these questions, you can evaluate if you need a new water heater or if you simply should keep your current one insulated with a blanket throughout the winter.

If you have a sump pump in the basement, make sure to evaluate it twice per year — usually after the spring rains and before the winter snows. For the best results, use a professional plumbing service to inspect and maintain the unit properly.

Do you need help assessing and preparing your plumbing before winter comes? Call the pros at Michigan Plumbing today to learn how we can help. And then you'll be able to stay comfortable and enjoy the coming seasons.