5 Common Fall Plumbing Issues

Overflowing gutter D F

Clogged gutter overflowing with rainwater - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, serving Portland OR & Vancouver WA talks about the 5 common fall plumbing issues homeowners may experience. Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s definitely fall. What do you love most about this season?

Here at D and F Plumbing, we appreciate all of the above- in addition to fixing fall plumbing issues! Read on for five of the most common fall plumbing problems:

1. Frozen and burst pipes

As temperatures cool down, pipes run the risk of freezing- and possibly bursting. If a pipe were to burst it would be thousands of dollars of damage and a major inconvenience. To combat this, we can utilize UL-listed heat tape or heat cable on your water pipes that are exposed.

2. Drain blockage

Pay attention to the drain in your sink. Does it appear to be draining slowly? While in the kitchen, food could be the cause of this. However, if it’s the bathroom sink, such blockage could be the result of fall leaves blowing into the drains.

Rake leaves regularly. Keep them away from your gutters and the foundation of your home. You can count on us to install a special drain cover that will block debris.

3. Water heater issues

Did you know the water temperature can be 25 degrees cooler in fall? This means your heater is working double duty all season. Older or poorly maintained units require even more effort to run. Stay up to date with your heater inspections and consider insulating the pipes.

4. Clogged gutters

At first glance, this may not seem like a plumbing issue. Think again! We’ve already discussed how leaves can block drains. When water can’t drain properly from the roof, it can pool around the foundation and create slippery patches of ice- which can easily cause somebody to slip and injure themselves.

5. Issues arising from self-inspection

Be sure to give your plumbing an inspection for fall. This is something you can do yourself, without calling in a professional. However, if any of these have issues, give us a call so we can get it handled promptly.

  • Check your water heater
  • Look for any signs of moisture in your attic or crawl spaces
  • Check for cracks on the exterior of your home
  • Inspect all pipes

Plumbing Experts in Portland OR

Since 1927, the experts at D and F Plumbing have assisted thousands of customers with all of their plumbing needs. Our rave reviews speak for themselves. We proudly serve the Portland and Clark County areas. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Portland (503) 852-9079 / Clark County (360) 309-0317

 

Why Winterizing Your Plumbing is Important

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes in Vancouver WA - D&F Plumbing, Heating and CoolingLeaves are turning yellow, the air is getting crisp, and thoughts of holiday festivities fill your mind. While your children are dreaming of gingerbread cookies and a visit from Santa, you get a visit from a much less desirable guest – a giant waterfall sprouting in your basement!

The last thing you want to worry about during the holiday season is a major plumbing disaster. However, without proper precautions, the cold of winter could lead to leaky pipes and a swampy house. Since water expands when it freezes, low temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Damaged plumbing can lead to:

  • Flooding throughout your home. Cascading water might be a beautiful sight on a hike, but it isn’t so pretty when it’s coming out of your basement ceiling. However, flooding is a pretty common consequence of a broken pipe, especially if the damage isn’t caught early.
  • Structural instability. As water flows over your foundation or through your walls, it can cause cracks or warping that may make your home structurally unsafe. This kind of damage can pose a huge safety hazard for your family, and it is often costly to repair.
  • Mold growth and health issues. Even if you don’t like mold at first, it’ll really grow on you (ba-dum tss!). But in all seriousness, mold is a fungus fueled by moisture, and it can result in serious health issues – particularly for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
  • A high water bill. Unfortunately, the water leaking out of your pipes often comes with a price tag. Between the water bill and the repair costs, flooding can be hugely expensive.

How to Winterize Your Plumbing

To avoid a visit from the dreaded basement waterfall, it’s important to winterize your plumbing before the cold sets in. That way, you can relax during the holidays instead of worrying about a burst pipe. And, this process doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are a few easy steps to winterize your plumbing:

  1. Shut off water to your outdoor faucets. The shut-off valve may be located inside, such as in your basement or crawlspace. Once you locate the valve, simply turn off the water to any outdoor faucets.
  2. Drain water from the outdoor faucets. Once the water is shut off, open the faucet to drain water from the pipes and hose. Roll up and store your hose indoors to keep it in good condition. Then, leave the faucet open so any water can flow out with ease.
  3. Insulate any exposed pipes. Fiberglass covers, heat tape, and other forms of pipe insulation can help prevent freezing. This step is especially important for any pipes that will still carry water during winter.

Professional Plumbing Winterization

If you have a complicated plumbing system or you want to be 100% sure that your pipes are perfectly protected for the winter, it may help to call a professional. That’s where the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help! Serving the Portland metropolitan and SW Washington area, our experienced plumbing professionals can help keep your pipes safe and sound without the hassle. Contact us today to schedule a winterization!