As the leaves start to turn and temperatures begin to drop, most Dawsonville homeowners are thinking about raking leaves and preparing their yards for winter. But there’s one area of home maintenance that often gets overlooked until something goes wrong: your plumbing system. The difference between a comfortable winter and a costly emergency often comes down to a few simple preventive steps taken in the fall.
Think of fall plumbing maintenance as insurance. You wouldn’t skip winterizing your car, so why skip preparing your plumbing? North Georgia winters can bring freezing temperatures that wreak havoc on unprepared systems, but taking action now can save you thousands in emergency repairs later.
Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Start by disconnecting and draining all garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Water left in hoses can freeze, creating back pressure that damages the faucet and the water lines connected to it. After you disconnect the hoses, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets if your home has shut-off valves for these lines. Open the faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
If you have a sprinkler system or irrigation lines, this is the time to have them professionally blown out. Leaving water in these lines through a hard freeze is asking for burst pipes and expensive repairs come spring. Many local plumbing companies offer fall winterization specials specifically for this service.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater is about to work harder than it has all year as temperatures drop and hot water usage increases. Fall is the perfect time to have it inspected and flushed. Sediment buildup from hard water is a real problem in Dawsonville, and a professional flush can improve efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce your energy bills.
While you’re at it, check the temperature setting. Most water heaters are set higher than necessary. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees still provides plenty of hot water for your family but uses less energy.
Inspect Exposed Pipes
Take a walk around your home and look for any exposed pipes, especially in crawl spaces, basements, or under sinks. These are the most vulnerable to freezing. Wrap any exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves, which are inexpensive and easy to install. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas of your home.
Clean Your Gutters and Drains
Falling leaves are beautiful, but they’re murder on your drainage system. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and potentially damage your roof or foundation. Clean your gutters thoroughly and make sure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet away from your home’s foundation.
While you’re thinking about drainage, this is also a good time to have your main drain line inspected. Tree roots commonly infiltrate sewer lines in North Georgia, and problems that start small now can become major issues when freeze thaw cycles occur.
Know Your Shut-Off Valve
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located. In an emergency, quick action can mean the difference between a small problem and a flooded basement. If you’ve never had it inspected, ask your plumber to make sure it works properly.
Don’t Wait
The best time to handle these tasks is now, before the first freeze hits. Once winter arrives and temperatures drop, emergency plumbing calls spike and wait times get longer. By taking action now, you’re protecting your home and your peace of mind.
If you haven’t had your Dawsonville home’s plumbing inspected for winter readiness, call North Georgia Rooter today. Our fall maintenance can identify and fix problems before they become expensive emergencies.