Top 3 Fall Home Maintenance Disasters
Fall is a season where homeowners should pay serious attention to a number of home maintenance tasks, particularly those involving their plumbing systems. Many times, home maintenance disasters occur as a result of cold weather.
In some cases it may be pipes that have frozen and burst, while in other situations it may be a water heater that has developed leaks or problems with its pressure relief valve.
Whatever the case may be, it’s smart to contact an experienced plumber to carefully examine all aspects of a home plumbing system and make repairs as necessary.
Pressure Relief Valves
Water heaters are expected to work very hard over the fall and winter, so they need to be checked in the fall for any potential problems.
On many older heaters, one of the most common problems that can lead to dangerous circumstances involves the pressure relief valve. If the valve does not work properly, the heater will be unable to release water to relieve pressure, which could result in the heater exploding.
A plumber can test the relief valve and if necessary replace it, ensuring no problems will occur.
Frozen Water Supply Lines
Frozen water supply lines that burst can cause some of the most extensive water damage a home can experience. Often located in an attic, they freeze and burst when inadequate insulation allows an attic to be too cold or they are old and develop cracks over time.
If the lines freeze and crack, the result can be large amounts of water going from the top of the house to the bottom, ruining ceilings, walls, floors, and countless pieces of furniture and other possessions.
A plumber can inspect these lines for any damage, and repair or replace them if needed. Along with this, the attic can be properly insulated or have areas where cold air is leaking in sealed to keep it as warm as possible.
Septic Tank Back-Up
When a septic tank backs up, it can be one of the messiest and most disgusting situations a homeowner can face. To guard against this, a plumber should check the septic system at the start of fall to make sure the system is free of debris that can clog it and lead to a back-up.
These systems can also freeze up sometimes in extremely cold weather, so it’s also a good idea to pump it out while it is being serviced.
If it can go wrong, it will – unless you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call NixCo Plumbing at (513) 398-5907 to get your home inspected.