6 common plumbing problems you may experience this fall
When the temperatures drop and the leaves start to fall, chances are your plumbing is going to cause you some problems.
It’s a good idea, especially for new homeowners, to take preventative measures to get ahead of plumbing problems, especially before Old Man Winter comes knocking on your door.
“Autumn is a good time to check for any sewer damage and make any necessary repairs,” says Michael Greenvice president of operations for Benjamin Franklin Plumber.
During the fall, your home may suffer from water heater problems, a clogged drain, a stuck garbage disposal, or a frozen pipe. But to help you focus your maintenance efforts, here are some of the most common plumbing problems you may encounter in your home.
1. Messy gutters
Nothing says falling like a pile of leaves. But you don’t want those leaves to settle in the gutters of your home.
“Full gutters can lead to a host of problems, including roof damage, foundation problems or cracks,” says Green.
To avoid these problems, grab your ladder and thick gloves and get to work cleaning out the gutters. Be sure to bring a bucket with a small scoop to remove dirt and other gunk. Then rinse the gutters with a hose and inspect them, along with the downspouts, for damage or cracks.
2. Clogged cleanouts
The cleaning takes place close to the house and provides access to plumbing via an outdoor pipe that usually protrudes from the ground.
“If the leaves fall, they can end up in the cleanup if the cap or lid is damaged or opened. These leaves can cause a backup of water flow, causing sewerage problems,” says Doyle JamesChairman of Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
Homeowners may need a professional camera inspection and drain hoses to ensure there is no obstruction.
“You should also ensure that the cleaning cap is not cracked or broken to prevent dirt from entering the cleaning area,” says James.
3. Unclean pump
The pump filter screen can collect debris such as mud, leaves, and pebbles in the fall, which can lead to clogs, premature pump shutdown, or even standing water in the basement.
“A quick visual inspection should let you know whether or not the pump is working and if there is a problem,” says Green. “Catching it early is critical.”
The easiest way to determine if your pump is dirty is to slowly pour a bucket of water into the well. If it starts up automatically, everything is fine. If not, it’s time to do some maintenance.
“Wipe the filter clean, unplug it and carry it outside along with the drain,” advises Green. “Disconnect the drain line and use a hose to flush out any debris or clogs. Then flush the entire unit with water.”
Clean the entire pit and replace it. Then pour a bucket of water into the well to make sure the system is working.
“It’s best to do this before the winter snow sets in,” says Green.
4. Root intrusion
After a drought season, root penetration can be a problem.
“The first heavy rain of the season can cause tree roots to grow and stretch as they search for water,” says James. “These roots can enter cracks in plumbing pipes and block the water draining from fixtures in the home as it flows to the main sewer line.”
If you have large trees on your property, you may need to call in a plumber who can perform a camera inspection and winding drains to clear the obstruction.
5. Small or hidden leaks
Did a particularly rainy day cause a small leak in your living room? Don’t ignore it!
“It can be easy to write off small leaks in your home,” says Green, “but they can be dangerous. If there is a hidden leak in the plumbing system, water can seep into areas of electrical wiring, and sparks in the wiring can cause a fire.”
Beware of unexpectedly high water bills or discolored spots after a rainy day that could indicate a leak. If you suspect you have a leak, call a plumber who can diagnose the problem.
6. Accidents with the garden hose
It’s easy to forget to put away the garden hoses in hopes of one last breath of summer temperatures. But neglecting to put them away before the temperature drops can cause problems.
“Make sure all garden hoses are disconnected and if the outdoor spigots are not frost-proof, protect them with at least a foam cover to prevent freezing, cracking and flooding,” says James.
Dina Sartore-Bodo contributed to this report.
