It’s a good idea to think about your plumbing system as the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn colors. The rain and colder weather of fall hinder plumbing and water systems, reducing their effectiveness and blocking drains. It’s crucial to have your plumbing ready for the threats and changes that come with autumn.
The following are some plumbing concerns you might experience:
Freeze and Burst of a Pipe
Canada’s weather is renowned for being harsh. This winter, more than 200 Toronto residents called the police to complain that their pipes had frozen and they had no flowing water. Autumnal lows of -3 degrees Celsius have been observed. As a result of frozen pipes, extremely low temperatures can be problematic for plumbing systems.
Unreliable Heaters
The earth and underground pipes cool as a result of the cooler fall air. When the heating system receives cold water, it must work harder to raise the temperature throughout the building to the necessary level. If this problem isn’t fixed, overusing your water heater could result in system failure.
It’s not a good idea to find out your water heater is damaged in the fall. Since plumbers are already overloaded with other service calls, it’s possible that repairs to restore your water supply will take longer than expected.
Drain Obstruction
It’s stunning to see the fall leaves, and it makes for a picturesque setting. Because of the leaves, there are more drain clogs reported in the fall, but few people are aware that this also affects their homes’ plumbing systems. Tree leaves that have fallen can clog gutters and pile in drains.
Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Fall
The following are some crucial steps you may take to avoid plumbing issues this season:
No. 1: Ensure that your drains and gutters are clean.
Water damage has been caused by outdated infrastructure or a lack of maintenance over the past ten years. In the province of Quebec, it represents half of the overall cost of claims. In the upcoming years, a rise is also anticipated. The same tendencies are present throughout Canada.
The buildup of leaves in your gutters and downspouts might result in significant issues. It is their responsibility to stop leaks that can harm the house’s ceiling or structure. You won’t have to be concerned about any clogs or structural damage if you maintain them well.
No. 2: Keep up with your water heater maintenance.
Make sure there are no leaks by checking your water heater. It’s a good idea to have a plumber check it out before it gets too chilly because water heaters are used more frequently in the fall. By getting your water heater repaired before the temperatures drop, you may avoid delays and expensive issues.
The following actions are required while inspecting a water heater:
- Taking a look at the gas supply system for the water heater
- Thorough examination of gas, including label reading and fuel type determination
- hecking the piping’s integrity and the installation’s other components
- Examine the drip legs or sediment traps to make sure nothing is leaking into the burner.
- Measuring the increase in water volume.
No. 3: Remove exterior hoses.
Hoses shouldn’t be left outside in the winter. As the temperature drops, the container and the water itself both expand. The majority of hoses are made of flexible materials, which less frequently fail suddenly. Ice melts slowly, thus damage has already been done by the time the pipe is no longer in danger.
Any faucets the hose is connected to will also freeze and break because of the expansion. While waiting for it to warm up again, disconnect the hoses, empty any remaining water, and store them inside.
No. 4: Turn off the exterior plumbing system.
An internal shut-off valve connecting to the exterior plumbing system is a must for your home. To drain the water, it makes sense to close the indoor valve and open the outdoor faucet. Your plumbing system is less prone to fracture if there is no water to freeze.
No. 5: Seal off the gaps in the pipes.
Your neighborhood plumber will be able to identify issues early on with regular visits. These professionals are qualified to identify possible weak points before they develop into significant problems. Eventually there will be spaces between the pipes and the walls. During the fall and winter, the opening would allow cold air to enter, which might lead to the pipes freezing.
The cost of your utilities may significantly rise during the hotter spring and summer months. Utilizing techniques like caulking, insulation, and weather stripping, experts may assist you in sealing the pipes.
No. 6: Install pipe insulation.
If you reside in Canada and occasionally experience particularly chilly autumns, you might want to think about updating your plumbing before winter sets in. It’s probably not a good idea to search for “plumbers near me” when the snow starts to fall.
You should insulate your pipes with rubber as part of your yearly plumbing system maintenance so that only hot water flows, even in the cold. When the weather warms up and the Earth thaws, protecting your exterior pipes from the upcoming winter’s freeze will save you a ton of money.
Recognize seasonal changes and make the required modifications. Prompt action can protect your pipes, maintain your comfort level, and reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and replacements. You can avoid a number of possible issues by preparing your plumbing for the fall.
Contacting experts that can assist you winterize your plumbing system is the key to unwinding. BJC Plumbers is prepared for any plumbing issues that may happen in addition to doing routine inspections and maintenance. Please get in touch with us if you need expert assistance.
