Fall is the most beautiful time of the year for homeowners. This time of the year is also the perfect time to begin thinking about winterizing your plumbing. There are many simple things to look for that can save money by catching them before a disaster happens.
Gutter Drains
Those colorful leaves may be great to view in the fall, but the debris in the gutter can stop up your drains no matter how often you clean them. Clogged gutter drains can let water back up under your roofing and may cause considerable damage to your walls and ceilings inside the house.
Water running behind the gutter may also cause rot and decay to your eaves. It is a good idea to hire a professional to check your gutter drainage yearly after the leaves fall to prevent these problems.
Hot Water Heaters
As cooler weather approaches, your water heater has to work harder to provide the long hot showers that the weather calls for. Sometimes age can cause unseen damage to your equipment, and small leaks can occur.
Also, corrosion within the elements of a tank can also make the water heater run longer creating higher energy bills. At times, damage to floors or walls can occur under or behind the heater before the leak is exposed, causing expensive repairs.
Shut Off Valves
Fall is the optimum time to check the shut-off valves in your household water system. As the temperature changes, pipes may freeze and break flooding your home. It is imperative that shut off valves be located within easy access in case of emergency.
Although you may know where they are located, they should be tested periodically to make sure they work. Occasionally gaskets go bad and in most cases these can be changed without removing the valve. In any case, a bad valve can cause thousands of dollars in damage in the event of a leak.
These and many other problems can be prevented by yearly maintenance by a trained professional. Don’t let what should be simple fixes turn into disasters that cost hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Remember to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call Hull Plumbing at (405) 246-9763 to get your Oklahoma City home inspected.
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