With the cooler weather on the way, is your home in good shape? One has to consider what a quick change in temperature might do to your pipes. For that matter, when did you last turn your mind to the septic system?
There is no better time than fall to put your plumbing in order ahead of winter and Around the Clock Plumbing & Septic can be of assistance. We are a family business so we appreciate the value of your home and are committed to its protection. We have been doing so for all of Huntsville and Madison County since 2009. A call to (256) 600-9024 will put you in touch with us.
We have put together some down to earth tips for your plumbing and septic system further below.
The Case for Fall Maintenance
Weather in North Alabama has a way of going from a mild afternoon to a cold night in short order and it puts a strain on your plumbing. You can forestall the headaches and expense of the deep cold by tending to things now.
For the most part these are straightforward tasks; some are ones you can do, others are better in the hands of an insured and licensed team.
Keep the Cold at Bay for Your Pipes
We see our share of frozen and burst pipes in the dead of winter but there are measures to mitigate that risk:
- Put away and drain any garden hoses prior to a hard freeze
- Put insulation on exposed pipes in the basement, garage or crawl space
- Go over where the pipes come into the house and seal up any gaps
- Make sure you know the location of the main shutoff valve
- Put covers on your outdoor spigots
- On the coldest of nights let a faucet run a little to keep water in motion
It is surprising how much these will do for you. All too often a homeowner will forgo them and be left with preventable water damage.
A Look at the Water Heater
Come fall and winter your water heater is put to work like no other season. Before you count on it for months of hot water, give it once over.
Any odd rumbling or popping may indicate sediment in the tank. See if there is corrosion or leaking about the unit. Should you find your hot water does not last as long as it should, a professional opinion is in order. An annual flush will make it more efficient and add to its longevity; if one does not feel inclined to do it we will.
Septic System Checkup
For those with a septic system, a fall checkup is advisable. The added strain of holiday cooking and having people in the house will be felt in the months to come.
Things to bear in mind:
- Get the tank pumped and inspected as needed
- Do not put fats or grease in the drain
- Rather than running a number of loads, space out the laundry
- No heavy vehicles on the drain field
- Be on the lookout for pooling in the yard or a slow drain
With some 100 years of septic and plumbing experience among us, our people can put their finger on an issue before it gets out of hand.
Slow Drains and the Holidays
What is a slow drain today will be a clog when the kitchen is in full swing for the holidays. Take care of any sluggish drains now. We would advise against chemical cleaners of the harsh variety as they are hard on pipes and if a clog is persistent, get a pro in.
Leave Some Things to the Pros
You can manage certain jobs at home but trained hands are required for others. If there are leaks, clogs that return, low pressure or noises you do not recognize, have someone see to it.
Our service area includes Huntsville, Madison, Meridianville, New Market, New Hope, Laceys Spring, Decatur, Athens, Toney, Moores Mill, Harvest and throughout Madison County. We are on hand 24/7 and can book same day. Free estimates and consultations are part of what we do and we extend a 10% discount to our military and senior citizens.
Do not let a cold snap make an emergency of something minor. This fall put your home in the care of a trustworthy team. Give us a ring at (256) 600-9024 and let the family at Around the Clock Plumbing & Septic help you protect yours.
