Plumbing catastrophes can happen at any time throughout the year or with any weather conditions. However, the wintertime is the most common time when plumbing issues occur. You’re probably thinking, “It’s still autumn, though.” Yes, you’re right! But staying aware of how your home’s plumbing might be adversely impacted during the cold Ohio winter can help with knowing how to adequately plan and prepare your plumbing system while the fall weather is currently optimal. As a homeowner, when you do this, it will equip your plumbing to endure the winter as it handles whatever Mother Nature throws our way. So, read these fall plumbing maintenance checklist items from your Narrow Path Plumbing service professionals so that you may set your plumbing system up for success this season.  

1. IS YOUR YEARLY PLUMBING INSPECTION COMPLETED OR SCHEDULED?    

It is so crucial to conduct preventative maintenance; we can’t emphasize enough the significance of regular upkeep on your plumbing system. Once a year, your house’s plumbing system should be inspected and checked to ensure everything is functioning properly and that no underlying plumbing issues could develop into serious problems over time. If you want to avoid any plumbing disasters this winter, be sure to have a licensed plumber inspect your water heater and sump pump! 

2. ARE ANY OF YOUR FAUCETS OR FIXTURES LEAKING OR DRIPPING?   

Let’s get started with the most typical plumbing problem, leaks and drips. Consider all of your faucets, sinks, showers, baths, and toilets. If any faucets or plumbing fixtures leak or drip water, you’ll want to address the problem as soon as possible. So thoroughly inspect your faucets and plumbing fixtures, toilets, and beneath your sink drains to verify there are no problems. Though it may seem like a minor issue now, when problems like this persist, they can manifest into larger, more significant problems down the road. Therefore, it’s best to seal and leak or tighten any dripping faucets instead of postponing this chore until you risk the issue of frozen water during the winter – frozen water makes it that much harder for a plumber to assess.    

3. ARE YOUR EXPOSED PIPES WRAPPED IN PIPE INSULATION?  

If you have exposed pipes in your house, pipe insulation may be a smart idea. Pipe insulation kits are readily available at any home improvement store. We suggest this procedure since the state of Ohio has severe winter conditions. Pipes located in spaces that are unheated and exposed, such as basements, garages, or crawlspaces, are more susceptible to freezing and then bursting. To avoid this costly plumbing problem occurring in your home, it is our opinion that it’s worth taking the time to do some fall preparation on your pipes. 

4. ARE YOUR GUTTERS CLEAN & CLEAR OF LEAVES OR DEBRIS?   

Gutters that are clogged with filthy muck and sludge are frustrating and obstructive. Fallen leaves, as well as other outside debris, frequently fall right into your gutters and drains in the fall season, causing a dam-like obstruction that prevents rainfall and melted snow from draining freely. Because of this, it’s critical that your gutters are cleaned at least once throughout the fall. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional to complete the task is completely up to you. But whatever you choose to do, try to accomplish it before the holiday season. The last thing you want is overflowing gutters spilling over onto your loved ones when they visit. Gutter slime can also give off an unpleasant stench. Gross! 

5. IS YOUR GARDEN HOSE PUT AWAY FOR THE FALL SEASON?   

Don’t leave that garden hose attached outside. Many homeowners like fall because it means less lawn work! During the fall, grass and plant growth are unlikely to grow significantly. In fact, you may already have put away your lawn mower and gardening equipment for the year. Have you also secured the garden hose? So, be sure to do this immediately if you haven’t done so already. If you leave a garden hose out in the winter, the water inside can freeze and cause the hose to burst. This will lead to more plumbing issues if it’s still attached to the fixture. To prevent this, disconnect your garden hose, drain any water from it, and put it up for the season. Additionally, make sure that you turn off the faucet/fixture as well as any other fixtures that may be located inside. 

It’s safe to assume that no one ever wants a plumbing issue to surface. And even though plumbing emergencies are Narrow Path Plumbing’s strong suit. We genuinely hope no unfortunate situations arise for you in the dead of winter. This is why we stress preventative maintenance so much! Stay ahead of the game and set your plumbing up for success while the weather allows.

Furthermore, take heart in knowing that if anything does happen, we will be at your side in a jiffy! Call Narrow Path Plumbing today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! 

(937) 623-2619
Jennifer Newsome
Jennifer Newsome
01/11/2021
We had a leak in our basement on a Sunday evening and Narrow Path Plumbing sent out Terry ASAP! He quickly found the leak, repaired it, checked all faucets to ensure good pressure. He cleaned everything up and it was like he was never even here. I appreciate this company sending out someone late on a Sunday and also doing such a great, fast and professional job!! Great job Narrow Path Plumbing!!
Mad MO
Mad MO
22/10/2021
Have used Narrow Path for multiple jobs on multiple properties. They have always been extremely informative, punctual, and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.
Vicki Singer
Vicki Singer
05/10/2021
Mike & Terry remodeled 2 of my bathrooms along with the drywall finisher and did a beautiful job. Had multiple leaky shut off valves replaced & a kitchen faucet replaced. Had lines run so I could move my laundry up out of my basement & poor Mike had to run wiring through my attic on a 90 degree day. I was so worried he would have a heat stroke but he never complained once. Also had a whole house filter replaced & a valve replaced on my hot water tank by another plumber whose name I can't remember but they all were polite and did professional work.
Michael Brice Keller
Michael Brice Keller
10/09/2021
The whole team was great. Joe, Glenn, Justin, Mike and Terry. Thanks for an awesome new bathroom addition
David Brown
David Brown
09/09/2021
Josh S cleaned a tankless hot water system, repaired two toilets, and unclogged a drain in a little over an hour. He was professional, listened carefully, and was very personable. We have never had a bad experience with Narrow Path, and we highly recommend them.
Patricia Mullins
Patricia Mullins
03/09/2021
Toilet leaking from the tank. Not good 😪. Enter Tom and Drey. I love these guys. New toilet replaced and new shut off valve. Everything is perfect now. These guys are a 10 star team. Polite, professional, clean and neat. Same day service at a reasonable price. Can't beat them. Highly recommend. Give these boys a bonus!!