6 Fall Plumbing Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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Here are six essential fall plumbing tips to help you prepare your home before winter sets in:

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses connected during a freeze can cause water to back up into the faucet and freeze — leading to a burst pipe.
✅ What to do: Disconnect, drain, and store all garden hoses. If possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and use insulated faucet covers for extra protection.

2. Check Your Outdoor Faucets

Dripping outdoor faucets are a red flag. If there's even a small leak, water can freeze and expand, causing pipes to crack.
✅ What to do: Test each faucet and look for drips or leaks. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to get it checked before the first freeze.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages are most vulnerable to freezing.
✅ What to do: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap exposed plumbing. It’s an inexpensive fix that can save you thousands in damage.

4. Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater, reducing efficiency and possibly causing damage. Fall is a great time to flush it out before winter demand increases.
✅ What to do: You can DIY this or call us to do a full inspection and flush. You’ll extend the life of your heater and improve energy efficiency.

5. Test Your Sump Pump

Heavy fall rains and melting snow can lead to basement flooding. Your sump pump is your first line of defense.
✅ What to do: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump kicks on. If it doesn’t, or if it’s been more than a year since it was serviced, give us a call.

6. Schedule a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection

A proactive checkup now can catch small issues before they become winter plumbing disasters.
✅ What to do: Book a fall plumbing inspection with JR Snider Plumbing. We’ll make sure your pipes, fixtures, drains, and water heater are ready for the season.

🍁 Stay Ahead of the Cold

Winter plumbing emergencies are stressful—and expensive. A little fall maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home and your wallet.

Whether you need help winterizing your outdoor faucets, flushing your water heater, or inspecting your plumbing system, JR Snider Plumbing is here to help.

📞 Book Your Fall Plumbing Tune-Up Today!
Call JR Snider Plumbing or schedule online. Fast, friendly service from the pros who know local plumbing.