Your All-In-One Fall Plumbing Checklist in Massachusetts

Winter in Massachusetts is famously frigid. With cold snaps and heavy snow to look forward to, a little fall maintenance is a must to protect your home. 

A fall plumbing checklist in Massachusetts keeps your home in peak condition for the dipping temperatures. Instead of constantly worrying that your pipes could give out this year or your sump pump won’t handle extra rainfall, let us help. We have several key tasks to help you inspect or clean your fixtures.

We’re also happy to drop by and handle the inspection for you. If you’re low on time and would rather call a professional, fill out our online application and one of our staff will be with you shortly!

Your Fall Plumbing Checklist in Massachusetts: 8 Important Tasks

If you’ve ever dealt with a burst pipe or clogged gutter in winter, you’re likely already doing some preventative care. Review our checklist below to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything for fall maintenance.

1. Clear Out Your Drains

Your drains will go through the wringer during winter. They have to contend with your usual day-to-day activity and potential freezing.

Make sure your drains are clear with a drain maintenance solution. A gentle, enzyme-based cleaner works well to gradually break down anything that could start a clog in your pipes.

2. Fully Drain Your Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

The last thing you want during a cold snap is a fully charged outdoor faucet or hose. The water inside will freeze and burst, leaving you with a very messy problem to handle later. 

Shut off your water lines, disconnect your faucets and hoses, and let them drain. While you may be tempted to wait until winter hits before finishing this task, it’s best to get it out of the way. Sometimes weather patterns are unpredictable, and you don’t want to risk forgetting this step.

3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Some pipes are more vulnerable to freezing than others because some parts are exposed to the open air. If you have any bare pipes in your garage or basement, make sure to cover them up before winter arrives.

We recommend investing in specialized pipe sleeves that can last all winter. While a few well-placed towels can work in a pinch, they can still get moldy from moisture and cold.

4. Check Your Thermostat

“Wait, how is a thermostat part of a fall plumbing checklist in Massachusetts?”, you might be asking. When your indoor temperatures can still affect your pipes and fixtures, it’s worth making sure you’re getting accurate readings.

Check your thermostat’s age and anything that seems out of order, like a glitchy interface or readings that don’t match the room. If your thermostat doesn’t seem to be working, it might be worth getting a new installation before winter.

5. Run a Sump Pump Test

Nothing is worse than a backed-up sump pump. Test your sump pump by first checking for any clogs or physical damage. Don’t turn it on if there’s a problem.

Once everything looks good, make sure the power is on, then pour a bucket of water into the pit to raise the float switch. The goal is to make sure your float switch activates the sump pump and properly drains the water.

6. Clear Out Gutters

One of the simpler tasks in this list is giving your gutters a good scrub. Fall and winter will fill them quickly with leaves, snow, and ice, so make sure they’re ready.

Depending on the weather, we recommend checking your gutters every month or two. You can also schedule annual maintenance if you’re short on time. 

7. Flush Your Water Heater

Sediment build-up makes your water heater take longer to do its job. A simple flush breaks up all the mineral deposits so you can enjoy hot showers and baths without trouble. 

If you’re unfamiliar with flushing a water heater, or would rather be on the safe side, our water heater technicians are happy to help.

8. Double-Check Your Water Valves

Sometimes your home floods because your water shutoff valve malfunctions. First, check your water shutoff valve for rust or damage, then give it a twist to make sure the handle works. 

Are you often out of the house for work, school, or long-distance travel? A smart leak detector is a useful installation that helps you protect your home even while you’re away by spotting potential leaks early. However, a little maintenance still helps reduce the risk of repairs and protect your peace of mind.

When Should You Call a Professional for Fall Maintenance?

Not sure when you should call for plumbing services or finish a task yourself? As you review our fall plumbing checklist for Massachusetts, double-check whether you fit any of the following criteria.

You’re Unfamiliar With Some Maintenance Tasks

If you don’t know how to flush your water heater or aren’t sure how to calibrate a thermostat, it’s best to contact a professional. Experienced technicians have years of experience preparing homes for the cold weather and will make sure the job gets done right.

You’ve Had Burst Pipes Before

Have you dealt with a pipe that burst because of cold temperatures or old materials? A plumbing inspection and leak detection can give you much-needed peace of mind heading into winter. 

You Have a Packed Schedule

Sometimes you’re simply too busy to go through all the items in this checklist. Hiring a plumber in the MetroWest frees up your schedule so you can spend time with your children or focus on other household projects.

Winter plumbing preparation doesn’t have to be challenging. With Notturno Home Services, our expert team of plumbing technicians can get the job done right.

Contact Notturno Today for Fall Maintenance

Want to make sure you don’t miss a spot as you head into the chilly season? Notturno Home Services is a local business that helps homeowners repair or maintain their plumbing. We’re happy to help you finish your fall plumbing checklist so you can focus on your busy schedule.

We’ll clear your gutters, check your piping, and flush your water heater so you can head into winter with confidence. You can also check out our latest deals to save on essential home maintenance or repairs. Call us today to schedule an inspection with one of our technicians!