Top 3 Fall Home Maintenance Disasters

As fall approaches, there are many Winchester home maintenance issues that need to be taken care of before much colder weather arrives. While many tasks may seem simple, they are nevertheless important to a home’s safety and proper maintenance.

By failing to ensure that these and other tasks have not been taken care of, homeowners run the risk of finding themselves facing much bigger problems at the most inconvenient times.

And as most Winchester homeowners know, big problems usually lead to big repair bills. Therefore, making sure a home is in good shape for fall and winter has always been a smart decision.

Service the Hot Water Heater

If there is one situation nobody wants to face, it’s having a water heater that breaks down on a cold winter day.

As a general rule, the hot water heater should be serviced by a plumbing professional prior to the start of fall to make sure it is in good working order.

Along with checking the heater’s settings, the bottom of the pan should be checked for any water buildup.

If any water is found to be in the pan, chances are the tank is leaking, which requires the services of a professional plumber.

Insulating Exposed Plumbing Pipes

Before the temperature outside dips below freezing, homeowners should take a stroll through their basement and look for pipes that are exposed. Usually located near the outside walls, these are the pipes that are most susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold weather.

And for anyone who has ever dealt with a pipe that burst, they know all too well the mess it can create and the high repair bills that come with it. Any pipes that are exposed should be insulated using heat tape or foam insulation, all of which can be easily done by an experienced plumber.

Septic and Sewer System

For those homeowners who have a septic system, fall is often the perfect time to have it serviced. Most septic tanks should be drained in the fall, allowing for them to be ready to go for the winter months ahead.

Sewer lines should also be checked to ensure they have no blockages and that the pipe itself contains no cracks or other damage. By having a plumbing professional conduct an inspection in the fall, the septic and sewer system should be able to withstand the cold temperatures of winter without any problems occurring.

If it can go wrong, it will – unless you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call Powells Plumbing at 540-665-8196 to get your Winchester, VA home inspected.