Slowly we’re seeing the signs of change in the air. We’re putting the thermostat on in the evening. And the t-shirts and shorts of sweltering summer are being swapped for long-sleeves and jeans. It’s the time of the year to plan ahead and look forward. With that in mind, our Victoria, BC plumbers offer their fall plumbing tips to help prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Inspect the Sump Pump
Your home’s sump pump earns its value during the rainy months of fall. The sump pump will work overtime to pump water away and prevent flooding across the property. Make sump pump inspection a priority in the coming weeks. Our recent post on sump pump maintenance delves into the details regarding pump analysis and the signs of a sump pump maintenance issue.
Flush Water Heaters
Your family will now depend on the performance of your water heater to maintain warmth throughout the fall and winter. The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that 17% of energy use in homes throughout North America goes towards water heating. While Canadians, on average, use 75L of hot water at home every day, according to Natural Resources Canada. Ensure your heater is in efficient working condition by having a plumber flush the equipment. Flushing the water heater helps reduce energy costs and remove the sediment that might otherwise cause mechanical failures over time.
Sewer Cleaning
Fall leaves and lawn debris can accumulate in your sewer line and cause a blockage in your drains. Without preemptive line cleaning and inspection, sewage may back up into your home, requiring an expensive plumbing repair. Sewer line and drain cleaning help protect your home plumbing and ensure rainwater travels safely away from your property.
Insulate Home Pipes
Burst pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage during the BC wintertime. Pipes in unheated home areas such as basements and crawl spaces burst when the water inside freezes and expands. You can prevent burst pipes by having your local Victoria plumber insulate piping in the isolated areas of the property.
Disconnect Your Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor rubber hoses can weaken during the freeze/thaw cycles over the fall, winter, and spring. To prevent hose problems as the temperatures drop, disconnect your outdoor hoses at the start of the fall season and drain the water. Store the hose in a warmer area of the property, ready for use when the warm weather arrives again next year.
Signs You Need Urgent Fall Plumbing Repairs
Now you know the proactive steps you can take to protect your home and your plumbing this fall, you should also learn the signs of an impending plumbing emergency. Identifying these problems now can help you enjoy the cooler months ahead without paying for expensive repair work.
Slow drains
Slow drains are a clear sign you have a clog building in the main sewer line. If you notice water drains slowly out of the blue, give your local Victoria plumbers a call to review your drain and fix the problem.
Changes in water pressure
Rapidly changing water pressure levels could be the result of a burst pipe. If the water slowly trickles from your shower head, then suddenly bursts out, you likely need a plumber near you to investigate.
You run out of hot water often
If your hot water temperature stays tepid, despite allowing the water to run for a few minutes, your water heater may be the source of the problem. Act quickly to repair or replace the unit to ensure comfort throughout the fall and winter months.
24/7 Victoria Plumbers Ready to Help You with Your Fall Plumbing Repairs
Our Victoria, BC plumbers have decades of experience helping homeowners transition between summer and fall. If you’re facing a potential plumbing repair issue as the seasons change, give us a call, and we’ll arrange a visit from a licensed Victoria plumber.