Pumpkin Spice & Fall Advice

As the leaves change color and pumpkin spice lattes return, it's the perfect time to prepare your plumbing and heating systems for Western Washington's wet, cold winter ahead. Don't let the spooky season bring real frights to your home—follow these fall maintenance tips to keep everything running smoothly.

Nothing sounds spookier than mysterious banging, clanking, or screaming pipes echoing through your home. These haunting noises—often called "water hammer"—occur when water flow stops abruptly, causing pressure waves that make pipes rattle against walls or supports.

Before winter arrives with its freeze-thaw cycles that can worsen the problem, address noisy pipes now:

• Check pipe supports:  Loose pipes can bang against walls or joists
• Inspect water pressure:  High pressure (above 80 psi) increases water hammer risk
• Install water hammer arrestors:  These shock absorbers prevent the sudden pressure changes that cause noise
• Secure exposed pipes:  Add cushioning straps or foam insulation to reduce movement
  

Western Washington winters bring freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall that can wreak havoc on unprepared plumbing systems. Take these preventive steps now:

Outdoor Protection:

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Shut off outdoor spigot valves from inside your home
• Install insulated faucet covers on exterior hose bibs
• Drain and winterize sprinkler systems

Indoor Prevention:

• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and unheated areas
• Seal air leaks near plumbing to prevent cold drafts
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
• Keep cabinet doors open during freezing nights to allow warm air circulation around pipes

Fall means holiday gatherings, which means more strain on your drains. Between Thanksgiving feast prep and Halloween candy wrappers finding their way into sinks, your plumbing works overtime. Prevent clogs before they happen:

• Avoid pouring grease, oils, or fats down drains
• Use drain strainers to catch food particles and hair
• Run hot water after each use to help clear residue
• Schedule a professional drain cleaning to remove buildup before the holiday rush
  

Before temperatures drop and everyone's calling for furnace repairs, get ahead of the rush. A pre-winter heating system inspection ensures:

• Efficient operation that saves on energy bills
• Early detection of potential problems
• Safe operation throughout the winter months
• Extended equipment lifespan
• Peace of mind during the coldest months

Learn more about maintaining a comfortable, efficient home year-round through our Healthy Home program, which focuses on preventive maintenance and system optimization.

Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Keep our number handy for 24/7 emergency plumbing services—available nights, weekends, and holidays with no extra charges. Because a plumbing emergency at 2 AM on a rainy November night is stressful enough without surprise fees.

Complete these tasks before winter arrives:

1. Test sump pump operation
2. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent foundation water issues
3. Check water heater for signs of corrosion or leaks
4. Flush water heater to remove sediment buildup
5. Test all indoor faucets for leaks or drips
6. Inspect exposed pipes for signs of damage or corrosion
7. Verify your sump pump has a battery backup
   

Don't wait until the first freeze to discover plumbing problems. Schedule your seasonal maintenance service today and enjoy worry-free comfort all season long. Our experienced technicians will ensure your plumbing and heating systems are ready for whatever Western Washington weather brings.