Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

As the fall season takes hold, we all know that colder weather, shorter days, and busier schedules can make home maintenance seem like a big task. When the weather gets chilly, the last thing you want to do is work on your house. That’s why now, at the beginning of fall, is the perfect time to focus on your home’s most important systems, including your plumbing.

Think of your plumbing as the bloodstream of your home. Just like your veins and arteries carry blood throughout your body, your plumbing system carries water to where you need it. And much like your blood removes waste from your cells, your plumbing has drains that whisk away waste and wastewater, keeping your home clean and safe.

If something goes wrong with your circulatory system, it can have serious consequences for your health. Similarly, plumbing problems can cause issues throughout your home.

This is why regular plumbing maintenance is essential to ensure your plumbing stays in good shape. A well-maintained system will be more reliable, predictable, and have a longer lifespan than one that doesn’t get professional attention. Plus, just because your home seems fine and everything is working as it should, it doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden issues lurking beneath the surface.

Here are some simple Myrtle Beach plumbing maintenance tips to help you get your plumbing ready for the upcoming winter and the rest of the year:

Simple Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tips

1. Insulate Exposed Water Lines

Do you have plumbing lines outside or in uninsulated areas like your garage? These exposed pipes can be trouble when winter arrives, especially in places with freezing temperatures. If the water in your pipes freezes, it can cause them to crack or burst, leading to leaks and potential damage.

Insulating your pipes is an easy fix. Visit your local hardware store and buy some pipe insulation (it’s usually quite affordable). Wrap the exposed sections of your pipes with this insulation and use strong tape, like duct tape, to secure it in place. It’s a straightforward way to keep your pipes protected and prevent heat loss.

2. Replace Leaky Toilet Stoppers

Do you have a toilet that runs even when no one has used it recently? This could be due to a leaky stopper, a common issue. Simply purchase a new stopper from your local hardware store, turn off the water supply to your toilet, drain the tank, remove the old stopper (both from the bottom and the handle), and install the new one. As long as the new flapper fits snugly over the drain to the bowl, your toilet should stop leaking once you refill the tank.

This is a straightforward task that doesn’t require any special tools, and the replacement stopper is usually inexpensive. However, keep in mind that the rubber stoppers wear out over time, so you might need to do this every year or two.

3. Relieve Slow Drains with Hydrojetting Services

Are you experiencing slow drains in your home? It could be due to a blockage in your drain line. Clearing blockages used to be a real hassle, but now it’s safer and easier thanks to hydrojetting technology. Think of it as a high-pressure cleaning for your plumbing system.

It blasts away everything from hair and soap scum to tree roots and other debris, making your drains flow smoothly again. Hydrojetting is the safest and most effective way to clear clogs, so consider scheduling this service for your home.

4. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

When was the last time you had a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach inspect your plumbing system? There might be issues you’re not even aware of. An inspection can uncover everything from minor clogs to potential leaks and problems with seals.

As your plumbing system ages, it’s crucial to have these safety inspections more frequently to ensure it’s in good condition. Regular inspections help you catch potential big problems, such as the need for water heater replacements before they become emergencies.

Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency on your hands. Take the proactive step of maintaining your plumbing system this fall, and you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free winter season.