When fall arrives, it’s easy to focus on cooler weather, changing leaves, and preparing your home for winter comfort. However, one of the most important systems to prepare before temperatures drop is your plumbing. Frozen pipes, broken outdoor faucets, and unexpected leaks are among the most common and costly winter plumbing disasters—and many of them can be prevented with a little planning in the fall.
Here are seven essential fall plumbing tips to help you avoid major issues when winter temperatures are at their lowest.
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls are especially prone to freezing. As water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Adding insulation sleeves or pipe wrap in the fall helps maintain warmer pipe temperatures and reduces the risk of freezing once winter arrives.
2. Disconnect Garden Hoses
One of the most common winter plumbing problems starts with a simple oversight: leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor spigots. When temperatures drop, trapped water can freeze inside the hose and faucet, leading to cracked pipes or damaged spigots. Disconnect hoses, drain them completely, and store them indoors before the first freeze.
3. Shut Down and Protect Outdoor Faucets
In addition to removing hoses, outdoor faucets and spigots should be properly winterized. If your home has interior shut-off valves for exterior faucets, turn them off and drain any remaining water. Installing insulated faucet covers adds another layer of protection and helps prevent freezing and costly repairs.
4. Check for Leaks and Weak Connections
Small plumbing leaks may seem harmless in warm weather, but they can worsen during winter as pipes expand and contract. Fall is the ideal time to inspect under sinks, around water heaters, and near exposed pipes for signs of moisture, corrosion, or dripping. Addressing minor issues now can prevent a major leak or pipe failure later.
5. Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in winter due to colder incoming water temperatures and increased demand. Scheduling maintenance in the fall—such as flushing sediment buildup and checking valves and connections—can help ensure reliable performance during winter. Proper maintenance also reduces the risk of leaks or unexpected breakdowns.
6. Seal Drafts Near Plumbing
Cold air entering your home can quickly lower temperatures around plumbing lines. Check for drafts near pipes, especially where plumbing enters exterior walls. Sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping helps keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing the chance of frozen pipes.
7. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
Even with preparation, emergencies can still happen. Knowing the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve—and ensuring it works properly—can significantly limit damage if a pipe bursts. Test the valve in the fall and replace it if it’s difficult to turn or shows signs of corrosion.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.