Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Wisconsin Homes

Fall is here, which means dropping temperatures for Wisconsin homeowners. To help you prevent winter plumbing emergencies like frozen pipes, our team at Black-Haak is going over our fall plumbing maintenance checklist. These tasks help ensure that you’re safe from plumbing disasters. However, if the worst occurs, our team is here for you with a full range of plumbing services, including expert pipe repair in Greenville, WI, and throughout Fox Valley.

The Importance of Preparing Your Plumbing System for Fall & Winter

Fall plumbing maintenance in Greenville, WI, is critical to prepare your system from the area’s dramatic seasonal shifts in temperature. From fall leaves that clog your gutters to winter lows that put pressure on pipes, the local change in climate can put your entire plumbing system at risk. With proper maintenance, homeowners can reduce their risk of future issues and provide greater peace of mind.

Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tasks

The plumbing professionals at Black-Haak recommend these fall maintenance tasks when preparing your home for the winter:

Insulate & Protect Pipes

Homeowners who winterize pipes in Fox Valley can prevent the hazards of frozen and burst pipes. Using foam tubing or insulation tape from the hardware store, you can keep pipes–especially those on exterior walls or unheated areas like garages–warm enough so they don’t freeze. If they do freeze, that water will expand and cause enough strain that pipes can burst.

Check Your Water Heater

Lack of hot water in extreme cold can be an emergency. By scheduling your water heater services at the beginning of the season, you can prevent breakdowns during peak demand times. Trust a technician to find and fix minor issues that could grow into bigger problems proactively. Plus, tune-ups ensure that your system is working at maximum efficiency.

Inspect & Clear Drains

Spring and summer’s foliage will often end up in gutters and drains during the fall. To prepare for this, inspect these areas and make sure they are clear. This can prevent blockages that impact your home’s ability to properly drain rainwater.

Test Your Sump Pump

Don’t wait for the first heavy rain to find out your sump pump is malfunctioning. Instead, protect your basement or crawlspaces by testing your sump pump at the start of the season. Simply add water to the sump pump basin and ensure that it kicks on and drains the water effectively. If you experience an issue, schedule repairs.

Look for Leaks

Minor leaks can worsen over time and lead to serious water damage. If you’ve noticed issues like higher water bills or lower water pressure, schedule leak detection services to find and fix these issues before they grow.

Shut Down Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor plumbing is most at risk in extreme temperatures. To avoid these issues, disconnect and drain hoses to be stored before shutting off your outdoor water supply. Then, drain water in exterior faucets and consider winterizing your sprinkler system.

Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection With Black-Haak

Call Black-Haak today to schedule a home plumbing inspection in WI. Our team can assess your entire system to determine if you require any maintenance or repairs before the cooler weather begins. With over 60 years of industry experience, we have the knowledge and skills to protect your home against the seasonal changes.

Schedule a plumbing service for your Fox Valley home today by calling Black-Haak.