Here in Glendale, AZ, homeowners don’t have to worry very much about freezing weather. However, it does occasionally get cold enough here to pose some risks to your plumbing. That’s why it’s a good idea to know the proper steps to prepare your plumbing for colder weather, starting each fall. It’s also the perfect time to take care of your home’s annual plumbing maintenance needs. By doing so, you can safeguard your plumbing and prevent unnecessary damage to your home. Here’s an overview of some of the ways you should prepare your home’s plumbing for fall.
Perform a Visual Inspection
At least once per year, perform a visual inspection of your home plumbing and fixtures. Since you need to take steps to prepare your plumbing for fall anyway, you can start with that inspection. Begin by inspecting any exposed pipes you can find in and around your home. Look for signs of wear like rust, corrosion, or visible damage. If you spot any, make a note of its location and severity. That will make it easier to decide whether you need a plumber’s help to take corrective action.
You should also inspect and test all the plumbing fixtures in your home. Look for things like loose faucet handles or slow drips when they are turned off. Add any you find to your remediation list. While you’re examining your sinks, check that each sink drain works as expected. If you notice standing water or a slow drain, note it down. When you’ve finished your inspection, call AZ Family Plumbing if you’ve discovered any problems that require prompt repair.
Have a Pro Flush Your Water Heater
If your home has a storage tank-style water heater, fall is an ideal time to call a pro to perform its required annual maintenance. One of the most important things they will do is flush your tank. As your water heater fills and empties during the year, sediment can settle into the tank’s bottom. Eventually, that sediment can harm your water heater’s efficiency and even damage its heating element. Flushing the tank can eliminate that sediment. Do not attempt to do this task yourself because one wrong move can cause major injury. For instance, you can get electrocuted or burn yourself with scalding water. Schedule a visit from one of our plumbers.
To flush your water heater, our plumber will begin by turning it off. Then, they’ll turn off its incoming water supply. Once that’s complete, they will attach a hose to the tank’s lower drain valve. Then, after running the hose to a nearby drain, they’ll open the valve. Once the water flow stops, they’ll turn the heater’s water supply back on and watch the water exiting the hose. When it runs clear, they will close the drain valve and turn your water heater back on. During the maintenance visit, our plumber will also check the condition of your water heater’s anode rod. If it requires replacement, they’ll let you know.
Test and Service Your Sump Pump
The beginning of fall means the end of the monsoon season here in Glendale. That makes it a good time to check in on your sump pump, if you have one. Sump pumps typically experience their most frequent use during the monsoon season. That can leave them with worn components and certainly in need of maintenance. Inspect for signs of rust or damage, and test your pump to ensure it continues to function optimally. You should clean the inside of the pump, as well as its inlet screen. The monsoon season brings plenty of dust and dirt that can choke the inside of your sump pump without regular cleanings.
Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing
Since you won’t need garden hoses in the fall and winter, it’s best to disconnect them before the fall arrives. That can prevent freezing damage to the hoses themselves as well as your hose bibs. Speaking of those, it’s a good idea to turn off the indoor shut-off valve leading to your hose bibs. Afterward, open the bib valves to let any remaining water drain. In our climate, that’s typically enough to keep your hose bibs and attached plumbing safe through the winter. However, if you wish, you can also install insulated foam caps over your home’s hose bibs. You can find them in any home improvement store, and they’re inexpensive and install in seconds.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
The same monsoon season conditions that can affect your sump pump can also affect its gutters. Therefore, it’s wise to check your gutters and downspouts for obstructions. Ideally, you should hire a professional to do the work, as climbing up to your roof is risky. If necessary, the technician you hire will clean out any dirt and detritus buildup. They should also look to see that all your gutters remain fully attached to your home. If they spot any damage, it’s wise to have the technician make immediate repairs. Remember, the rainiest month in Glendale is February. You’ll want your gutters ready to work before then. While you could wait a bit longer to tend to your gutters, it’s best to do it while the weather’s still clear and warm.
Maintain Your Water Softener
The water supply here in Glendale is very hard. As a result, most homes rely on a water softener to protect their plumbing. If yours is one of them, you should remember your water softener’s maintenance needs as part of your pre-fall routine. If you haven’t thoroughly cleaned your water softener’s brine tank in some time, you should schedule a professional maintenance appointment. Experts recommend a brine tank cleaning at least once per year. Otherwise, you can begin by checking your water softener’s salt supply level. While you do, look for and break up any salt bridges that may have formed. That will ensure your water softener continues to do its job.
Consider Insulating Exposed Pipes
Finally, you should consider adding insulation to your exposed pipes. That includes any running through your garage or other uninsulated spaces. While frozen pipes are a rare occurrence in Glendale, they can happen. Insulating vulnerable pipes is an inexpensive way to save yourself a major headache later. Additionally, it can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Insulating exposed hot water pipes helps minimize heat loss, reducing water heating costs. And insulating cold water supply pipes simultaneously prevents freezing and stabilizes incoming supply temperature. That reduces the workload on your water heater, further lowering its operating costs.
Your Fall Plumbing Preparation Experts
Backed by over 25 years of experience, AZ Family Plumbing is your one-stop plumbing shop in Glendale. We can help you with any plumbing repairs your home requires after your pre-fall inspection. Additionally, we offer comprehensive drain and sewer services and water heater services, too. Our team of plumbers has undergone extensive training and possesses the skills to deliver exceptional workmanship.
We’re also a recipient of the Angi Super Service Award and are Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. We even offer discounts to seniors, military members, and first responders. So, for all your home’s plumbing needs, contact our team at AZ Family Plumbing today!
