As the temperatures drop and winter looms, Massachusetts homeowners know how important it is to prepare their homes for the cold. Fall is the ideal time to handle essential plumbing maintenance before freezing temperatures cause costly damage.
If you’re unsure where to start, scheduling a visit from a professional plumber in Boston, MA can ensure everything is ready for the season ahead. Here are five critical plumbing maintenance tasks every homeowner should do in the fall to protect their home and plumbing system.
1. Check and Protect Outdoor Faucets
Before the first hard freeze, inspect all outdoor faucets, hoses, and spigots. Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent trapped water from freezing and splitting the hose or faucet. Check for any drips or leaks while the weather is still mild—these can become serious problems once temperatures dip below freezing.
Consider installing insulated faucet covers for extra protection. Our team can help winterize outdoor plumbing and ensure shut-off valves are working properly to prevent frozen pipe bursts later in the season.
2. Inspect for Hidden Leaks Inside
Small leaks can turn into big headaches when winter weather arrives. Walk through your home and check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for any signs of moisture or corrosion. Listen for running water when all fixtures are off—this could indicate a hidden leak. Early detection not only saves you money on water bills but also helps prevent structural damage and mold growth. Our team of professional plumbers can use advanced leak detection tools to find issues you might miss.
3. Flush Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder during the cold months, so it’s important to give it a little attention before winter sets in. Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency, increase energy use, and shorten the unit’s lifespan. Having your water heater flushed once a year removes these deposits and helps it heat water more efficiently.
Fall is the perfect time to do this since you’ll rely on warm water even more during the chilly months ahead. Our experts can handle it safely and thoroughly while performing water heater maintenance, which also includes inspecting for leaks, testing pressure and calibrating the thermostat, and replacing the anode rod if necessary.
4. Test Your Sump Pump
If your home has a basement, your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding from melting snow or heavy autumn rains. To make sure it’s working properly, pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit and see if it activates. Clean the pump inlet screen and check the discharge line for any obstructions. If it’s been a few years since your pump was inspected or replaced, schedule a professional inspection, and we can ensure it will work reliably during storm season.
5. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Checkup
Even if everything seems fine, a fall plumbing inspection is one of the best investments you can make before winter. A professional can identify small issues before they turn into emergencies. Schedule an appointment with our expert plumbers to check your outdoor faucets, inspect for leaks, flush your water heater, and test your sump pump. With a little proactive care this fall, you’ll head into winter confident that your plumbing system is ready for whatever Massachusetts weather brings.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to make an appointment with an expert plumber in Boston.
