Autumn is beautiful, and so are those colourful falling leaves, but do not let your plumbing system fall. Instead, fall into preparation for winter’s chill and escape from costly repairs.
Autumn is the most appropriate season to get any plumbing maintenance work done and call Plumber Adelaide. In winters, clogged drains, frozen pipes, and burst pipes repairs in Adelaide may significantly trouble you. Isn’t it better to take some proactive measures? Indeed, maintaining the plumbing system helps you avoid common plumbing problems and ensures the smooth operation of plumbing fittings. Be the early bird, avoid expensive repairs, leakages, risk of burst pipes, and the need for an emergency plumber Adelaide.
So, gear up to take full advantage of autumn’s mild weather and get your plumbing system ready to withstand the cold.
Inspect & Maintain Your Hot Water System
The fading autumn leaves tell you that it’s time to get your hot water system ready for the colder months of the year. Do not neglect the plumbing maintenance, or else be ready to shiver in the winters with the disrupted supply of warm water. Make sure to check these three areas to keep your hot water flowing:
Flush the Hot Water Tank
Flush the hot water tank before the winter arrives. Sediment buildup in the tank affects the efficiency of water and raises the energy bills. Sometimes it also causes premature wear of the system. These sediments need to be removed so as to prevent the tank from corrosion and contamination of water. This also extends the lifespan of your hot water system.
Check Water Heater Temperature & Pressure
A right balance of temperature and pressure of valves is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of the hot water system. Ensure the ideal temperature is between 120°F and 140°F in autumn and winter. If the pressure valves are not up to the mark, it may result in leaks and can cause a danger of safety hazard. Altogether, prevent leaks in autumn to ensure optimal performance in winter.
Consider an Upgrade if Your System is Old
Consider the age of the hot water system you are using. If it is too old, it is better to get it replaced instead of repaired. Notice these signs that indicate your hot water system needs upgrading:
- Temperature fluctuates drastically
- The hot water system makes strange noises
- Consistent increase in bills
- Demands frequent repairs.
Alternatively, you may look for a better upgrade version that is more energy-efficient and advanced. Solar or heat pump systems make a good choice as they save both your money and the environment by reducing the carbon footprint.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing & Bursting
Do not let your pipes freeze out in cold weather, ensure the safety of your pipes in chill winters and keep them dripping. Frozen pipes cause water contamination and are a big safety hazard. It needs expensive repairs to revive. Here is how to escape such a creepy situation:
Insulate Exposed Pipes
You need to insulate exposed pipes. Pipes located in basements and garages are more likely to freeze and therefore require insulation. Use these materials that help to keep pipes cozy and stop freezing.
- Foam pipe insulation
- Fibreglass pipe wraps
- Or, using thermostatically controlled heat cables.
Fix Minor Leaks Before They Worsen
Minor leaks may turn into major disasters if not dealt on time. Here are some ideas to detect such small hidden leaks at the earliest:
- Notice if there is any water spots around faucets or taps
- Pay attention to any unusual sounds.
- Regularly monitor the water meter readings and observe any unusual changes.
You may fix the minor leaks through DIY methods, but it might not always work. If you are not sure or feel any intuition that something is wrong, call a professional plumber in Adelaide.
Keep a Steady Water Flow in Cold Weather
You must ensure that water flow through the pipes never stops, especially in winter. Hence dripping faucets is a sign that pipes are not freezed. To do this, leave the taps running overnight, although there will be a wastage of water but that is necessary to prevent pipe freeze. Alternatively, you may also check the water pressure and increase the pressure in the chill winter nights or when the temperature is expected to fall down.
Clear Gutters & Stormwater Drains
Clear gutters and enjoy clog-free and stress-free autumn! Regularly inspect the gutters, drains and downpipes to keep the flow steady. Due to the rainfall, stormwater drains face debris deposition and it leads to costly repairs to get it back to the regular flow. Here are some suggestions that help you to keep the gutters clean and you need not to get any blocked stormwater drains cleaning service in Adelaide.
Remove Fallen Leaves & Debris
Clogged gutters are way more dangerous than it seems. It not only affect the water flow but can also damage the foundation of the building. Additionally, it becomes a breeding area for pests and rodents to grow. As a DIY method of cleaning a gutter, you need some cleaning tools like gloves and a scoop for removing leaves, a high pressure hose with a spray nozzle to wash out the debris, and last but not least is a gutter guard to ensure no clogging in the future.
Inspect & Unblock Stormwater Drains
Blocking of stormwater drains is normal during autumns, simply observe the following signs that tell you that the drains are clogged and need immediate treatment.
- Water collection near drains and sink areas
- Slow flowing drains which indicates clogging
- Gurgling sounds
- Foul odors
- Soggy patches
To unblock stormwater drains, you may help yourself using some effective DIY methods. Here you go:
- A useful tool available in the market, drain snake and auger to clean the drains.
- You may also use baking soda and vinegar to organically clean the pipes.
But if you find no improvement, you may look for professional blocked stormwater drains cleaning service in Adelaide.
Check Downpipes For Proper Drainage
Water pooling near your home and around the locality is way more dangerous than it seems. It is an invitation to diseases. To prevent yourself from facing such problems, ensure the size of the downpipe is little extended to at least 4 feet so as to keep them away from the foundation of the structure. Also install a French drain or catch basin.
Maintain Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
There are three major and important steps that you must follow to keep the plumbing fixtures winter-ready. Here are –
Disconnect & Drain Garden Hoses
For Adelaide homeowners having beautiful front yards and garden areas, be careful to disconnect and drain hoses. Water left in hoses is one of the many reasons for pipe bursts and thus causes costly repairs. Check until the last drop of water is drained from the hoses and keep them safe at a proper place. Note down some storage tips for garden hoses –
- Store hoses at a dry and covered location.
- Label the hoses to easily identify them
- Coiling Hoses neatly
Inspect Outdoor Taps & Irrigation Systems
At least a month before the winter season, you need to fix any leaks in the taps at the garden area. To fix the leakage if any, shut off the system. Here is how you can shut off the system –
- Find the shut off valves for outdoor taps.
- Move the valves in a clockwise direction to Shut off the water supply.
- Drain the water till the last drops from the pipes.
Any leakage even if it is smallest should be located and fixed. This saves you from costly repairs and also from saving water wastage.
Clean & Check Sump Pumps
Sump pump is a tool, operated by electricity, that plays a very crucial role in channeling water away from home’s foundation. To ensure if sump pump is working up to the mark –
- Check the sump pump by pouring some water in a pit
- Check the flow of water and see if there is any blockage or debris.
- For added protection, install a backup sump pump.
Get Your Drains Ready for Increased Autumn Use
During the autumn season, drains are overburdened. Its usage increases and this eventually results in slow drain and heavy repairs. Keep your drains ready for heavy usage in autumn. Here is how you can do it –
Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning
In the autumn season, due to rains, it is no surprise that drains are clogged due to the presence of debris and buildup. The best way to save time and effort is spending little money on availing professional services to –
- Clean grease, sediments, debris, etc
- Prevent water clogs
- Pay early attention to the minor issues to prevent them growing further.
For effective blockage removal or accurate diagnosis of drain issues or preventative maintenance, consider using CCTV and hydro jetting drain inspection.
Use Natural Drain Cleaners to Prevent Clogs
It is not necessary that you always trust chemicals and technical solutions to clean the drains. There are certain natural cleaners available that help you to clean the drains like new. To keep your drains clean and flowing smoothly, teynout the following –
- Use baking soda mixed with vinegar to clean the kitchen drains. It is quite an effective method trusted by many Adelaide’s residents.
- Bathrooms are very slippery and thus needs something to clean it properly. Lemons are best cleaning agent. It works magical on your bathroom’s floor.
To prevent cloghing, the best way is to avoid greasy and oily substances in the drains. Never throw hairs and food particles in the kitchen drains as it accumulates and cause drain clogs.
Watch for Signs of Sewer Line Issues
Sewer lines of blocked can cause severe hygiene and water clogging issues. In autumn season, tree roots inavde in the pipes and thus cause problems of slow drains, overflows, and makes gurgling sounds. Taking a few proactive measures like regular monitoring the performance of drains or scheduling professional inspection helps to prevent this.
Inspect Your Gas Plumbing for Safety
Gas plumbing system must be inspected regularly, especially in autumn season, because it is not only a safety concern but also affects it’s efficiency. Read here the three important steps to assure no gas leakage and equip yourself with safe and efficient gas plumbing system in winters.
Check for Gas Leaks Before Using Heaters
How to Perform a DIY Gas Leak Test
Use this DIY Gas leak test and protect your system –
- Mix dish washer soap and water.
- Apply this mixture to gas lines and around the connection.
- If there appears bubbles, leakage is sure.
Why Professional Gas Inspections Are Important?
When you have a doubt or you find something pesky near gas lines, immediately call a professional gas inspector to help you out and ensure safety. Professionals can help you in –
- Identifying future hazards
- Educate you with local laws and safety standards.
- Take your stress away.
Service Your Gas Water Heater or Boiler
How to Improve Efficiency Before Winter?
Do the following simple things and achieve assured efficiency before winters arrive –
- Confirm proper ventilation
- Ensure regular maintenance
- Notice any unusual sounds or leakage.
- Call services of Shower Plumbing in Adelaide for regular check-up.
Signs of Gas Appliance Malfunctions
If you are not sure about the intactness of your gas appliance, notice the following signs which if present shows that there is some malfunctioning.
- Bad gas odor
- Unusual sounds
- Poor performance and efficiency
- Increase in energy Bill
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Why Carbon Monoxide Risks Increase in Autumn?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a very harmful gas and the risk of it further increases in autumn season, why? Know here –
- Use of heaters are increased in Adelaide
- Chimneys and vents get blocked.
- And poor ventilation is also one of the reason
Proper placement Area of Detectors in Your Home
To avoid the risk and effect of Carbon Monoxide, proper placement of detectors are mandatory. These are some areas where detectors should be kept.
- Near the sleeping area.
- At every story of your home.
- Do not keep the detectors near vents and chimneys.
Regular testing of these detectors and battery replacement is essential to stay safe and secure.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Do not wait for the disaster, instead take professional help when you notice the following signs –
- When you see water spots, leaks, and warping near taps and pipes.
- Sounds that are not usual or normal
- Low pressure
- Dim water flow and drain blockage
To save time, money, and efforts, schedule regular check-ups with local area Adelaide plumber and enjoy the pocket-friendly maintenance instead of costly repairs.
Conclusion: Get Your Home Autumn-Ready Today
Autumn is an opportunity to prepare yourself and your home plumbing system for winter’s chill. Regular inspection and maintenance is the secret of avoiding costly repairs, freezing of pipes, and maintaining outdoor fixtures. For severe issues, do not hesitate to schedule appointments with professional drain cleaning services and keep the plumbing fittings up to date.
FAQs
How Often Should I Flush My Water Heater?
You should flush your water heater every 6 months to 12 months to get rid of any sediment build up and also increase efficiency.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Frozen Pipes?
The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate exposed pipes, seal gaps if any and disconnect outdoor hoses to ensure no freezing or bursting of pipes.
Is Professional Drain Cleaning Necessary Every Autumn?
No it is not really necessary to clean drains every autumn but it is good to get it clean once every 2 years.
How Do I Know If My Gutters Need Cleaning?
If there are blockages, sagging or water overflowing in your gutters, it is a sign that your home’s gutter demands cleaning. You should do it twice a year.
Why is My Gas Heater Not Working Properly After Summer?
Usually it happens that the gas heater does not work properly after summer days. There could be many possible reasons for that which includes maintenance, pilot light issues or faulty thermocouples.