We’re only a few short weeks away from the first day of fall, but if you like to get a head start on your home maintenance checklist like we do, you’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your plumbing is up and running smoothly for the new season.
Test the Sump Pump
We’re in the thick of hurricane season, which means your sump pump needs to be in the best possible condition to handle the onslaught of rain during these next few months. Since the weather can be pretty unpredictable during this time of the year, we recommend testing your sump pump ASAP to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Follow this short guide to test your sump pump.
1. Perform a quick inspection of the pump itself and its outlet pipe
2. Make sure electrical components are in order
3. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
4. Clean and maintain the sump pump
Clean the Gutters
Falling leaves are a sign that you need to grab your ladder and give your gutters some TLC. When the rainwater trickles down your roof, it needs a clear path to travel through your gutters and away from your house. If any obstructions like leaves or twigs are clogging your gutters, the water will pool in place and eventually start leaking into your shingles or the side of your house.
A leaking roof can lead to serious water damage as well as mold and mildew growth, so make sure you clean your gutters in a timely manner!
Service the Water Heater
As the temperatures start dropping, your water heater starts working harder to provide warm water to the entire household. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have your water heater inspected, serviced, and cleaned out sooner rather than later. A clean and efficient water heater will use less energy and fuel to get the job done, keeping your family and your wallet happy through the winter months.
Prepare the Sewer System
Your sewer system is used on a daily basis throughout the year. Why does it need special attention in the fall? To prepare for the upcoming holiday season!
Believe it or not, sewers get quite the workout once the winter festivities roll around. Whether you’re planning on celebrating with the whole family, troublesome relatives and all, or just your immediate family, the sewer system will be handling a lot of waste between the cooking and the bathroom usage. It’s best to be prepared and schedule a drain cleaning today, rather than having to call a local plumber for an emergency plumbing service.
Insulate the Plumbing Pipes
Although right now the temperatures are still pretty warm around the Wausau area, it’s never too early to begin winter preparations. December and January, in particular, are rough months and can take a toll on your plumbing system. To avoid frozen pipes, or, worse yet, burst pipes, you should consider insulating the plumbing found in cold areas of your house, such as the basement and garage, before the temperatures drop below zero.
Unhook & Drain All Outdoor Hoses
Nothing wreaks havoc on plumbing quite as quickly as a frozen hose and faucet. In the event of a hard frost or a sudden drop in temperature, outdoor hoses can freeze. If this happens, the water within them expands and backs up into your internal plumbing, which can cause the pipes running through your walls and floors to expand and explode. With this in mind, disconnect and drain all of your outdoor hoses well before the temperatures begin to dip.
If your sump pump isn’t working as it should or you need plumbing maintenance for the fall, Plumbers Wausau services the Wausau and the surrounding areas.