Plumbing Problems to Look Out for This Fall

When temperatures start to fall, we primarily concern ourselves with staying warm. The focus shifts on heating the air inside our house, and eliminating the cooler air from entering. What you should not be ignoring, though, are any fall plumbing problems that may pop up.

Think about how warm and cozy you are when you first wake up in the morning. The heater kicks on to warm the rooms of your house, and you have a hot cup of coffee. When you are ready to step into the shower, you expect the water to be warm and rejuvenating.

Don’t take it for granted.

Your water heater should be high up on the list of utilities that work correctly in your house. If you see that water takes longer to warm up, or the temperature of the water is difficult to maintain, then there could be an issue with your water heater. If possible, try to identify the problem with your water heater, or call a professional at Sunrise Heating & Plumbing to help fix it.

With leaves falling from trees, you should check to make sure your drainage systems are kept clear. That extra end-of-season yardwork of clearing out gutter and downspouts will keep water flowing away from the house, preventing unwanted leaking or flooding inside. Rainwater and snowmelt should have proper avenues of flow, as that standing water can quickly turn to ice and catch unsuspecting visitors.

While you may be focused on the more common issues of the season, you should also be aware of keeping your garbage disposal clear. The holidays are a time for gathering your friends and family, which means plenty of food and waste. Remember to toss out coffee grounds, bones, or pasta into the trash, as those all have the potential to cause harm on your drain pipes.

As it is still early in the season, you can get a head start on preventing frozen pipes. Be sure there is enough insulation between your pipes and the outdoors, and have the thermostat set for an appropriate temperature in those areas. Inspect your pipes for any signs of age, such as cracks and leaks.

There’s still plenty of time to prepare for the harsh seasons ahead. But if you are caught by surprise, do not hesitate to call a professional at Sunrise Heating and Plumbing at (616) 293-9326. By providing exceptional customer service, and our highly-trained and experienced staff can handle any problem.