There’s something nice about that first cool morning in September — the air changes, the leaves start to turn, and most homeowners start thinking about pumpkins and sweaters. Plumbing usually isn’t on the list. But fall is actually one of the best times to get ahead of problems before the first hard freeze catches you off guard.
At Southeast Plumbing & Heating, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners throughout Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess Counties prepare their homes for the colder months ahead. Here’s what we recommend adding to your fall checklist.
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
Garden hoses left connected through the winter can trap water in your outdoor spigots, leading to frozen and cracked pipes once temperatures drop. Disconnect all hoses, drain them fully, and store them away. If your home has older, non-frost-proof outdoor faucets, consider having a plumber install insulated covers or shut-off valves before the first freeze.
2. Shut Down Your Irrigation System
If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, it needs to be properly blown out and shut down for the season. Water left sitting in the lines can freeze, expand, and crack fittings or pipes underground — repairs that are far more expensive than seasonal maintenance.
3. Check Your Well Pump and Pressure Tank
For homes on private wells, fall is a good time to have your well pump and pressure tank inspected. A pump that’s already struggling in mild weather is far more likely to fail once temperatures drop and demand increases. Catching a weak pump or a failing pressure switch now can save you from losing water entirely in the middle of winter.
4. Inspect Your Water Heater and Boiler
Before you’re relying on hot water and heat every single day, it’s worth having your water heater and boiler checked. Sediment buildup, worn parts, or minor leaks are much easier to address in September than during a January cold snap.
Get Ahead of Winter
A little attention now can prevent a lot of headaches later. Southeast Plumbing & Heating has been helping homeowners throughout Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess Counties prepare their plumbing and heating systems for the cold season for decades.
Ready to get your home winter-ready? Call Southeast Plumbing & Heating today at 845-279-9030 to schedule a fall inspection.