As summer ends and families in Orange, TX, prepare for the new school year, it's an ideal time to focus on your home's plumbing system. Fall introduces cooler weather, which can affect plumbing in various ways. 

By taking preventative measures now, you can avoid unexpected plumbing problems that could disrupt your household during this busy season. At 409 Plumbing, we understand the specific needs of Orange, TX, homeowners, and we're here to help you keep your plumbing system in excellent condition.

In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive back-to-school plumbing checklist. Whether you're dealing with high water bills, potential leaks, or just want to ensure your plumbing is ready for the fall, this guide will offer practical tips and advice. Let's get started!

1. Inspect for Leaks

One of the most crucial steps in preparing your plumbing for fall is to check for leaks. Even minor leaks can lead to significant water waste and damage over time. Here's how to conduct a thorough inspection:

• Check Faucets and Showerheads: Look for drips or leaks in your kitchen and bathroom faucets and showerheads. If you see any dripping, replace the washers or seals to prevent further leakage.
• Inspect Under Sinks: Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to look for signs of moisture, water stains, or puddles. These could indicate a leak in the pipes or connections.
• Toilet Leak Test: Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you likely leak the toilet flapper or valve that needs attention.

Regularly inspecting for leaks not only helps you save water but also prevents potential water damage to your home. Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time, so it's essential to catch leaks early. Including this step in your fall plumbing checklist is a proactive way to maintain your home’s plumbing system.

2. Check Water Pressure

Maintaining the proper water pressure in your home is vital for the health of your plumbing system. High water pressure can strain pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and other problems. Here's how to check and adjust your water pressure:

• Use a Pressure Gauge: Attach a water pressure gauge to an outdoor hose bib or a faucet. The ideal water pressure for most homes is between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). If your reading exceeds 80 psi, you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve.
• Check for Signs of High Pressure: If you hear banging or knocking noises in your pipes or if your faucets and showers are difficult to control, high water pressure could be the cause. Contact a professional Orange, TX, plumber to assess the situation and make any necessary adjustments.

Keeping your water pressure within the recommended range will help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances, saving you money on repairs and replacements. It’s a key component of regular plumbing maintenance.

3. Clean and Maintain Drains

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue, especially as summer activities wind down and more people spend time indoors. To prevent slow drains and backups, follow these drain maintenance tips:

• Use Drain Screens: Install drain screens in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs to catch hair, food particles, and other debris. This simple measure can prevent clogs and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
• Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: Grease and oil can solidify in your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it solidify, and dispose of it in the trash.
• Regular Cleaning: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains once a month to help break down buildup and keep them fresh. Follow with hot water to flush out any remaining debris.

For more stubborn clogs, consider using a plunger or calling a professional Orange, TX, plumber to avoid damaging your pipes with harsh chemicals. Regular drain maintenance is a crucial part of any fall plumbing checklist.

4. Prepare Your Water Heater for Cooler Weather

As temperatures begin to drop, your water heater will work harder to provide hot water for your household needs. Preparing it for fall can improve efficiency and extend its lifespan:

• Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and lead to corrosion. Flushing the tank removes this buildup, allowing your water heater to function more effectively. If you're unsure how to do this, a professional Orange, TX, plumber can assist.
• Check the Temperature Setting: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) to provide adequate hot water while reducing the risk of scalding and saving on energy costs.
• Inspect for Leaks: Check the area around your water heater for any signs of leaks or moisture. If you notice any, it may be time to call a plumber for a thorough inspection and potential repairs.

A well-maintained water heater ensures you have a steady supply of hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing, even as temperatures cool down. Incorporating water heater checks into your fall plumbing checklist ensures year-round comfort and efficiency.

5. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Outdoor plumbing is often overlooked, but it's essential to prepare these areas for the fall to avoid freezing and potential damage:

• Check for Leaks: Inspect your outdoor faucets and hose connections for leaks or drips. Repair any issues you find to prevent water wastage and potential freezing.
• Disconnect and Store Hoses: To prevent freezing and cracking, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets, drain them, and store them indoors. Leaving hoses connected can cause water to back up and freeze in the pipes.
• Install Frost-Proof Faucets: If your outdoor faucets are not frost-proof, consider installing frost-proof models to prevent freezing and bursting during cold weather.

Taking care of your outdoor plumbing now will save you from dealing with costly repairs later in the season. Make sure to include these steps in your plumbing maintenance routine.

6. Inspect and Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a common kitchen appliance in many Orange, TX homes, but they require regular maintenance to function correctly and prevent plumbing issues:

• Avoid Overloading: Don't overload your garbage disposal with large amounts of food waste at once. Feed waste into the disposal gradually, with plenty of cold water running to help it grind and flush debris effectively.
• Watch What You Dispose: Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or hard items down the garbage disposal, such as potato peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and bones. These materials can cause clogs and damage the disposal blades.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your garbage disposal monthly to keep it running smoothly. You can do this by grinding ice cubes to sharpen the blades and using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors. Follow this with cold water to flush out any debris.

Keeping your garbage disposal in good condition will prevent clogs and ensure it continues to help you manage kitchen waste efficiently. Regular garbage disposal checks should be part of your fall plumbing checklist.

7. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

While you can perform many of these tasks on your own, it's always a good idea to schedule a professional plumbing inspection, especially if you have an older home or haven't had a check-up in a while. A licensed plumber from 409 Plumbing can:

• Identify Hidden Issues: Detect leaks, corrosion, or damage in hard-to-reach areas that you might miss.
• Perform Routine Maintenance: Clean and maintain your water heater, inspect sewer lines, and test water pressure to ensure everything is in good working order.
• Provide Expert Advice: Offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs to improve your plumbing system's efficiency and longevity.

Regular inspections not only help prevent emergencies but also extend the life of your plumbing system, saving you money in the long run. Contact an Orange, TX, plumber to help you with all your plumbing maintenance needs.

Preparing your home’s plumbing for the fall is essential for preventing issues and ensuring your family has access to reliable, efficient water service. Following this back-to-school plumbing checklist can address common concerns, maintain your plumbing system, and enjoy peace of mind throughout the season.

If you need assistance with these tasks or would like to schedule a professional plumbing inspection, contact 409 Plumbing today at 409-444-0066. Our experienced team proudly serves the Orange, TX, community with reliable, high-quality plumbing services.

Don’t wait until an issue arises—take proactive steps to keep your home’s plumbing in shape. Call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.