Request an Appointment

Angie's List and NextDoor's Favorite: 2017 -2024

Duncan Plumbing logo
Call For Details (972) 937-0040

Voted Best PLUMBER in Waxahachie, Texas

Hi. Do you need any help?
Close

Blog Layout

PLUMBING MAINTENANCE FOR THE FALL SEASON

With the beginning of fall officially here, it’s time to start focusing on your home’s seasonal plumbing maintenance. While it may seem like winter is far off, fall is the best time to knock out your winter preparation to-do list. Servicing the water heater, insulating plumbing pipes and checking shut off valves and outdoor hoses are just a few Fall plumbing tips to prepare your home for colder weather, so you can get back to enjoying football, pumpkin-flavored beverages, and the colors of changing leaves. Chilly temperatures in fall serve as a gentle reminder of the harsher winter months ahead, so make sure to keep up with house plumbing basics so you're not unprepared for the dangers associated with freezing temperatures.


Service the Water Heater

As temperatures start dropping, your water heater starts working harder to provide warm water to the entire household. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have your water heater inspected, serviced and flushed sooner, rather than later. A clean and efficient water heater will use less energy, keeping your family and your wallet happy through the cooler months.


Insulate the Plumbing Pipes

Although right now the temperatures are still pretty warm, it’s never too early to begin winter preparations. December thru February, can be colder months for Texans and can take a toll on your plumbing system. We know this from our unusual winter last year which caused major problems for so many homeowners. Busted pipes were the #1 issue with the below freezing temperatures. To avoid frozen pipes, you should consider insulating the plumbing found in cold areas of your house, such as the basement and garage.

Shutoff Valves

House plumbing basics includes being able to locate where your water shutoff valve is. Every home has two main shutoff valves: One inside the house and the other where your property meets the street. The simplest way to shut off all water running through your home is to know where the main valve is located in your house. Valves that aren’t used frequently can develop mineral deposits that make them hard or even impossible to turn, so check yours periodically to make sure they work. 

Remove Outdoor Water Hoses

Water in outdoor faucets can freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. This expansion can cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and break. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hose in a dry area that will not reach freezing temperatures. Once all of your exterior hoses are removed, you can then move on to your outdoor hose bibs. Check to see if your exterior faucets are leaking or dripping at all. Remember, leaks are not only a great way to waste water and money, they can also cause damage in your faucets when the winter weather rolls in. Call a plumber if your faucets need service, or purchase new faucets from your local hardware store if your current ones need to be replaced. If your outdoor faucets are in good shape, cover them up and make sure they are properly insulated for the next few months.

Prepare the Sewer System

Sewer problems can cost thousands of dollars to repair. It’s important to maintain your sewer line as well as possible. This fall, hire a professional plumber to clean and snake your sewer line. This will help keep your sewer line functioning properly and also prevent roots from encroaching and damaging your underground lines.

Fall is Your Cue to Winterize Your Home's Plumbing

By taking preventative measures with these fall plumbing tips, you can avoid potential problems once winter kicks in. The condition of your plumbing will determine whether you have a comfortable or troubled season. Schedule an appointment with Duncan Plumbing Solutions to have your home winterized by an expert! In the meantime, enjoy this fall weather and look forward to winter without fearing frozen pipes! 

26 Apr, 2024
A drop in water pressure or a high-water bill are both signs you have sprung a leak! Don't let an unexpected leak spring up on you!
01 Apr, 2024
Summer is fast approatching and staying hydrated during the warm summer months is crucial for overall health. Let’s explore some informative facts and tips to help you stay hydrated.
25 Mar, 2024
Ah, the humble toilet. It's the unsung hero of the bathroom, quietly doing its duty while we go about our daily lives. But hey, don't let its modesty fool you! The toilet has the power to transform your bathroom from bland to grand. So, if you're in the market for a new loo, buckle up because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of the three toilet styles you need to know about: wall-hung, close-coupled, and back-to-wall.
18 Mar, 2024
If you use flushable wipes, you may wonder if they are really safe to flush down the toilet. After all, they are marketed as flushable and septic safe, and they seem to disappear after you flush them. However, you may be surprised to learn that flushable wipes are not as harmless as they appear. In fact, they can cause serious problems for your plumbing system and the environment.
11 Mar, 2024
Have you ever wondered what happens to the things you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet? You might think they just disappear, but in fact, they can cause serious problems for your pipes, your sewer system, and the environment. Some items can clog your pipes, damage your plumbing, or create backups in your home or neighborhood. Others can pollute the waterways, harm wildlife, or contaminate drinking water sources. Here are six common household items that you should never put down the drain and how to dispose of them safely instead.
04 Mar, 2024
As spring break approaches, prioritizing water safety is crucial, whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a poolside vacation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for you and your family.
09 Feb, 2024
As a homeowner faced with the ever-constant need for plumbing services, you've likely come across the somewhat frustrating response from plumbers when you request a cost estimate over the phone: "It depends." While it may seem like an evasion tactic, there's a world of complex reasons behind why plumbers always defer from giving you a rock-solid price without physically seeing the issue at hand. In this article, we unravel the intricacies of plumbing pricing and shed light on why this seemingly vague response is more about integrity and professionalism than mere inconvenience to you, the customer.
02 Feb, 2024
Water is a precious resource that sustains life, and as conscientious homeowners, we're increasingly aware of the need to conserve it. Each time we embark on the daily ritual of cleansing, we have an opportunity to make a choice that can significantly impact water consumption: shower or bath? In this blog post, we'll dive into the considerable depths of water usage between these two common household activities to determine which is the more watertight option for you and the environment.
26 Jan, 2024
Hard water can turn a refreshing shower into a skin-itching nightmare. But fear not. The antidote to this less-than-ideal situation can be found in water softeners, a remarkable solution that can turn your hard-water woes around. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of hard water - what it is, why it can be problematic, and how water softeners can be your saving grace, transforming your water and your overall shower experience.
12 Jan, 2024
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's essential to take proactive measures to winterize your plumbing. The frigid weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, both inside and outside your home. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. In this blog, we'll explore how to protect your plumbing by winterizing outside faucets and preventing pipes from freezing inside your house.
More Posts
Share by: