eTopical Precious Finds
Every season affects your home’s plumbing, and fall is no exception. Falling leaves and falling temperatures can put extra stress on your plumbing system. The good news is that fall weather is probably the best time to start preparing your system for the much harsher conditions of winter, as temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold to work in. Here are some ways autumnal weather can affect your plumbing.
Slow Drains
Though drains can develop clogs at any time of year, clogging seems to be especially problematic during the fall. This is because falling leaves, twigs, acorns, and other types of debris find ways to enter drain pipes and block them. You might suspect a clog if it takes a long time for your sinks, tubs, or showers to clear. You may also notice a musty smell or even a smell of sewage, hear gurgling sounds or other weird noises, or notice that the water levels in your toilet rise when you flush. Severe blockages may need the aid of a plumber who might even resort to pressure washing the main drain if there’s a very bad clog. However, a simple way to help prevent clogs is to put covers over your drain holes, especially if they’re outdoors.
Stressed Water Heaters
Since the freshwater that enters your water heater comes from the outside, its temperature falls as the temperature of the ground falls. This means that your water heater needs to work that much harder to get the water up to the 120 degrees Fahrenheit that many plumbers recommend. Because of this extra stress, a water heater that’s older or has been having problems in the past is at higher risk of malfunctioning in the fall. The thing to do is make sure that you regularly check your water heater throughout the year and have a plumber inspect it and perform some troubleshooting just before the weather changes. Signs of water heater problems are water that’s not as hot as you’d want it or not hot at all, strange noises coming from the heater, low pressure, discolored water, or a puddle of water around the heater itself.
Clogged Gutters
Your house’s gutters are also part of your plumbing system as they’re designed to move water away from your home so it can’t infiltrate and damage your interior walls, roof, or foundation. Debris can also cause the gutters themselves to rust or corrode. Many gutters are open to the elements and that means they’re going to collect all manner of debris, especially if tall trees surround the home. This is why it’s important to keep gutters clear throughout the year and pay special attention to them in the fall. You can tell that gutters are clogged if they sag or pull away from the wall if they overflow or leak, or if there are stains or peeling paint on the sides of your home.
To protect your gutters, a plumber can add screen guards or cage guards made out of wire. These additions keep most debris out of your gutters and prevent the debris that accumulates from clogging the downspouts.
