With the cool mornings setting in, is your water heater having to put in more effort? One has to wonder if the pipes are up to the change in weather. And there is the matter of what minor upkeep might be required to stave off an expensive repair later on.
At Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection we can put your mind at ease. A local operation in every sense of the word, we do business throughout Ventura County and the Conejo Valley; give us a ring at (805) 273-8396. We have put together this post to offer some fall plumbing advice that is as practical as it is necessary for any homeowner in our part of the country.
It is not as though you will see the kind of hard freezes that other parts of the country have to contend with in Ventura County come autumn. Yet your plumbing is not off the hook. Between the cooler nights and the fact that one tends to use more water indoors, the system is under some duress. Some forethought now will ensure everything is in order by the time the holidays roll around.
Check Your Water Heater Before It Gets Cold
The water heater is put to work in the fall and winter. Colder mornings mean you and those in your household are after hot water with greater frequency. An old or ill cared for unit is apt to let you down when you least want it to.
When fall is upon you, consider these checks:
- Put in the time to flush the tank of sediment
- Give ear to any rumbling or popping from the tank, an indication of buildup
- See that the temperature is set right, 120 degrees is usually the mark
- Inspect the base of the unit for moisture or a leak
- Make sure the pressure relief valve is in good working order by testing it
Should you find pooling water or rust in the water, or the heating is not consistent, a professional should be called in.
Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes
There is no better time than fall to put in a walk around the house and spot trouble before it is a problem. A drip here and there looks innocuous enough but it is a waste of water over the course of a few months and could be symptomatic of something more.
We would suggest you look at:
- Any slow leaks on the kitchen or bathroom faucets
- Under the sink for water stains or dampness
- The toilet base for movement
- Exposed piping in the garage, basement or crawl space
- That the shutoff valves still turn with ease
You do not want to be one of those who lets a small leak go unheeded until it has done its damage. It is the sensible thing to do for the home and for one’s finances.
Make Sure Drains Are Clear for the Holidays
More cooking and more visitors in the winter months means the drains in the kitchen and bath are under strain. You do not want a clog from grease and food scraps with the house full of family.
A couple of simple measures will keep things flowing:
- Do not put oil or grease in the sink
- After the garbage disposal, run some hot water
- Put screens in place to stop hair and food
- Forbear the use of chemical drain cleaners which are hard on pipes
- Have us do a professional cleaning if you already have a slow drain
Most of the clogs that are a nuisance in the busy season can be avoided with good habits.
On the Subject of Hidden Leaks
They are not all obvious. Some are to be found in the walls or under the slab. An unexplained tick in the water bill, a damp patch on the floor or the like are telltale signs.
Locating and putting right a hidden leak is what we do. Our team is equipped to find the source of the trouble. Being licensed and insured, you can have faith in the job we do.
If You Need Us
All the maintenance in the world will not forestall a burst pipe or a failed water heater. In such an event you want someone you can rely on. That is why Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection is on hand with 24/7 emergency service.
From Ventura to Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ojai, Oak View, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village we are at the service of homeowners and businesses. Our hours are 7 to 7 Monday to Friday, but for an emergency we are available any time of day or night.
Give us a call at (805) 273-8396 to have your plumbing in shape for the fall and let our people handle it.
