September in East Tennessee can still bring plenty of hot days, but cooler temperatures are just around the corner. After a busy summer of watering gardens, filling pools, washing cars, and putting your plumbing system to work, now is a great time to check a few simple things around your home. Catching small issues now can help prevent expensive repairs later.
1. Check Outdoor Faucets
Take a quick walk around your home and inspect each hose bib. Look for dripping water, leaks around the handle, or water pooling around the foundation after using the hose. Even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
2. Inspect Under Your Sinks
Open the cabinet doors beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Look for signs of moisture, water stains, swollen cabinet bottoms, or mold. A slow leak often goes unnoticed until it causes significant damage.
3. Test Your Water Pressure
If your shower suddenly feels stronger than usual or faucets seem unusually forceful, your home’s water pressure may be too high. Excessive pressure puts unnecessary wear on plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and appliances. Most homes should have water pressure between 50 and 80 PSI.
4. Give Your Water Heater a Quick Look
Check around the base of your water heater for moisture or rust. If you notice water collecting underneath or rust forming around fittings, it’s worth having it inspected before a small problem becomes a major one.
5. Clean Sink and Shower Drains
Slow drains are often the first sign of buildup. Remove hair from shower drains and clean sink stoppers regularly. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing over time. A simple drain screen is an inexpensive way to prevent many clogs before they start.
6. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
One of the most valuable things every homeowner can know is where the main water shutoff is located. In the event of a burst pipe or major leak, shutting the water off quickly can save thousands of dollars in water damage. If you aren’t sure where yours is, now is a great time to find it.
7. Don’t Ignore Small Problems
That dripping faucet, running toilet, or tiny leak under the sink may seem minor today, but small plumbing issues almost always become larger—and more expensive—when left alone.
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Spending just 15 minutes checking these items can give you peace of mind as the seasons begin to change and help keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly all year long.
From all of us at Sunrise Plumbing, we hope you enjoy these last warm days of summer and the cooler days ahead. We’re proud to serve our neighbors here in Halls Crossroads and throughout the Knoxville area.
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