November in Texas can be unpredictable. One week we’re enjoying the patio, and the next we’re reaching for jackets. Add holiday guests, extra cooking, and a house running at full capacity, and this time of year can expose plumbing problems that were easy to overlook during warmer months.
At Plumb Intended, we encourage homeowners to use fall as an opportunity to pay attention to a few areas before small issues become inconvenient—or expensive—ones.
Start outside. Disconnect garden hoses when they’re no longer being used regularly and check outdoor faucets for drips or leaks. When freezing temperatures do arrive, water left in hoses or exposed plumbing can freeze, expand, and potentially damage pipes and fixtures.
Pay attention to your water heater. Cooler weather means colder incoming water, while holiday guests often mean more showers, dishes, and laundry. That’s a lot more demand on your water heater. If you’ve noticed inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, rusty water, or slower recovery times, don’t wait until a houseful of guests arrives to investigate.
Don’t ignore small leaks. A dripping faucet, running toilet, unexplained increase in your water bill, or change in water pressure can be an early sign of a larger issue. Cooler temperatures don’t necessarily cause these problems, but fall is a smart time to address them before winter weather adds another variable.
Give your drains a fighting chance. Holiday kitchens are hard-working kitchens. Grease, fats, coffee grounds, potato peels, bones, and fibrous foods belong in the trash—not down the disposal. And if a sink or shower is already draining slowly, take care of it before additional guests put it to the test.
Finally, know where your main water shutoff is. It’s one of the simplest things a homeowner can do. If a pipe breaks or a major leak develops, knowing how to quickly stop the water can make a significant difference.
Fall is a great time to listen to what your plumbing may already be telling you. A little preventative attention now can help protect your home through colder weather—and keep plumbing problems from becoming unexpected holiday guests.
Plumb Intended provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Georgetown and Central Texas. Quality & service, the way plumbing is intended.
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