Kansas City homeowners know how quickly the weather can change. Fall can still bring warm afternoons, but those cooler mornings are a reminder that freezing temperatures aren’t too far away, making it the perfect time to have your home’s plumbing systems inspected.
A dripping outdoor faucet, slow drain or aging water heater may not seem urgent right now. But once temperatures drop, those minor plumbing issues can quickly become catastrophic, and more expensive to repair.
Let Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s team of experienced plumbers prepare your plumbing system for cooler weather and prevent unexpected problems this winter.
1. Disconnect Outdoor Garden Hoses
This is one of the easiest fall plumbing jobs, and one homeowners often forget.
When freezing weather arrives, water left inside a connected hose can freeze and expand.
Before temperatures begin dropping below freezing:
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Drain remaining water
- Store hoses for winter
- Inspect the outdoor faucet for leaks
If you have an indoor shutoff valve controlling an exterior faucet, follow the manufacturers or learn more with our plumbing recommendations for winter plumbing maintenance and preparation.
2. Check Outdoor Faucets for Leaks
You may notice a small drip from an outdoor faucet after using the hose to clean the gutters or finish up fall yard work. At first, it might not seem like a big concern, especially during Autumn, when Kansas City weather can quickly shift from lingering summer heat to cooler Fall-like temperatures. However, even a small leak can become a bigger plumbing problem once freezing temperatures and winter storms arrive. Take a few minutes to inspect your exterior faucets for:
- Constant dripping
- Loose or difficult-to-turn handles
- Visible cracks or damage
- Water leaking around the faucet or connection
- Signs of moisture inside the home near the plumbing line
Catching and repairing a problem now is typically much easier than discovering a damaged faucet or plumbing line during a Kansas City cold snap. If something doesn’t look or work quite right, or your outside faucet needs to be repaired or replaced, Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can inspect, repair or replace the problem before freezing weather arrives and help prevent a much larger plumbing repair later.
3. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to use it. However, many homeowners aren’t sure where to find it, which direction to turn it, or whether the valve is working properly. If a pipe begins leaking or bursts, shutting off the water quickly can help limit damage while you wait for professional plumbing service. Your main water shutoff may be located:
- In the basement
- In a utility room
- Near the water meter
- Near where the main water line enters your home
Make sure the adults in your household know where the valve is and how to shut the water off properly. If the valve is difficult to turn, appears damaged, or you’re simply not sure whether it works, don’t hesitate to ask a licensed plumber to check. It’s a simple thing to verify now that could make a big difference during a plumbing emergency.
Holiday or Extended Travel Tip:
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, talk with your plumber about whether shutting off your home’s main water supply makes sense. Taking a few precautions before leaving can help reduce the risk of unexpected water damage while you’re away.
When it comes to your home’s main water shutoff, it’s better to know exactly where it is and how it works before you need it. Schedule a plumbing house inspection before the change of seasons or a holiday trip.
4. Look for Hidden Leaks Inside the Home
Fall is a good time to inspect areas homeowners may not check regularly for something as low key such as a hidden leak. It’s one of the most overlooked home maintenance things to check.
What we’ve shared with our clients is that it doesn’t hurt to look for hidden leaks inside the home by checking:
- Kitchen sinks
- Bathroom sinks
- Toilets
- Utility sinks
- Laundry connections
- Water heaters
Warning signs of leaks inside the home can include:
- Damp cabinets
- Staining
- Musty odors
- Warped flooring
- Corrosion around fittings
- Unexpected increases in water usage
Small plumbing leaks can waste water and damage cabinets, floors, drywall and other materials over time. Contact Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for help today.
5. Pay Attention to Slow Drains
A drain that is slowly becoming clogged rarely improves on its own. If sinks, tubs or showers are draining more slowly than normal, address the problem before holiday gatherings and colder weather bring more people indoors. Here are other warning signs you might need to clear your drain(s):
- Gurgling drains
- Water backing up
- Multiple slow drains
- Unpleasant drain odors
If several drains are affected at the same time, the issue may extend beyond a single fixture. We recommend to all of our clients before the holiday season it’s worth having a drain and plumbing inspection before it’s too late and becomes an emergency plumbing issue.
6. Check Your Water Heater Before Winter
Hot water becomes even more noticeable when temperatures begin dropping. No homeowner wants to discover a water-heater problem during a cold Kansas City morning.
Pay attention to your water heater if:
- Water not getting hot enough
- Running out of hot water quickly
- Unusual noises
- Water around the tank
- Rust or corrosion
- Discolored hot water
- A water heater that is getting older
7. Protect Plumbing in Colder Areas of the Home
Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated spaces may be more vulnerable when temperatures fall.
Common areas to find your homes exposed pipes include:
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Garages
- Exterior walls
- Utility rooms
Before winter, inspect these areas for exposed plumbing and signs of previous freezing or moisture problems.
Our licensed plumbers can recommend appropriate steps based on how your home’s plumbing is installed. Schedule today a plumbing inspection to make sure your pipes are insulated properly for the next season.
8. Check Your Sump Pump
Kansas City weather doesn’t stop bringing moisture just because summer is over. Fall storms, heavy rain and winter precipitation can still lead to excess water around your home’s foundation.
Before the seasons change, take time to make sure your sump pump is working properly. This means looking beyond obvious debris or visible problems and checking that the system is ready to operate when you need it most.
If your sump pump is aging, making unusual noises, running inconsistently or has failed in the past, consider having it professionally inspected before the next round of wet weather. Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides sump pump service as part of our plumbing services to help homeowners stay prepared and protect their homes from unwanted water.
9. Don’t Forget Holiday Plumbing Needs
Fall quickly turns into Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings and houseguests. That means more:
- Showers
- Dishwashing
- Cooking
- Toilet usage
- Garbage-disposal use
- Hot-water demand
If a plumbing fixture is already struggling in September, increased holiday use may push it closer to failure. Addressing repairs now can make the busy holiday season a lot easier. The last thing you want as a homeowner is to have a house full of guests and clogged toilets to a garbage disposal not properly working or the sink not draining properly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fall Plumbing in Kansas City
Disconnect hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. September and early fall are good times to begin preparing exterior plumbing.
If your home has older plumbing, recurring leaks, slow drains or other concerns, fall can be a good time for a plumbing maintenance and safety inspection.
Inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, leaking, rusty water and reduced hot-water capacity can all indicate that your water heater needs professional attention.
Shut off the water supply if there is a leak or burst pipe and contact a professional plumber, Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Avoid using open flames or unsafe heating methods to thaw frozen plumbing.
