Your Essential Fall Plumbing Checklist For Maryland Homeowners

As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to emerge across Maryland, it signals a time for change. We pull out our warmer clothes, prepare for the holidays, and enjoy the crisp air. But it's also the perfect time to prepare your home's plumbing for the colder months ahead. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from a major headache in the middle of winter.

At Quick Service Plumbing Heating Drain Cleaning, Towson's preferred plumber, we believe in being proactive instead of reactive when it comes to plumbing services. Here is your essential fall plumbing checklist to ensure your home is ready for the season. If you want to learn more about our plumbing services, give us a call today at 410-388-9088.

1. Disconnect And Store Your Outdoor Hoses

This is one of the simplest yet most crucial steps. Leaving hoses connected to your outdoor spigots, or hose bibs, can trap water inside the faucet. When temperatures drop below freezing, that trapped water will expand, potentially cracking the faucet or the pipe supplying it. Disconnect all hoses, drain them completely, and store them away for the winter.

2. Inspect Your Hose Bibs For Leaks

After disconnecting your hoses, turn the outdoor faucets on and off one last time to check for any drips or leaks. A small leak now can become a major problem when it freezes. If you notice any issues, scheduling a hose bib repair is a smart, inexpensive fix that prevents a much larger, more damaging pipe repair down the line.

3. Test Your Sump Pump

Autumn often brings heavy rains, making it a critical time to ensure your sump pump is working correctly. You don't want to discover it has failed during the first major downpour. To test it, simply pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should kick on, remove the water, and shut off automatically. If it doesn't, it's time to call a professional for a sump pump repair or sump pump replacement before your basement is at risk.

4. Schedule A Boiler Tune-Up

Your boiler has been dormant all summer, and you're about to rely on it heavily. Before you truly need it, it's wise to have it inspected. A professional can check for any issues, ensure it's running efficiently, and perform any necessary boiler repair. An annual tune-up not only guarantees warmth but can also extend the life of your unit and save you money on energy bills.

5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Take a walk through your home's unheated areas, like the basement, crawlspace, or garage. Any exposed water pipes in these areas are vulnerable to freezing and may need assessment from a reliable plumber. You can purchase inexpensive foam pipe insulation from any hardware store to wrap them. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes and the catastrophic water damage they can cause.