With the cooler months on the horizon, is your home in order? You may be concerned over some unanticipated plumbing issue coming your way this fall. Or perhaps you would like to put your mind at ease and see to your pipes before the cold sets in.
Homeowners and businesses in Hilton Head and the rest of the Lowcountry come to us at Ace’s Plumbing when they want their systems to function as they ought to. Should you have any queries on preparing for the season, we are a phone call away at (843) 929-5721.
One does not have to look far for a welcome reprieve from the long, muggy summers in the Lowcountry. Yet the change in weather should prompt you to give some thought to those areas of the house that tend to be overlooked. Your plumbing is case in point; a measure of care now will spare you headaches down the road.
Why Put Off Plumbing Maintenance Until Fall?
Winters are nothing like what one finds in most of the country here in Bluffton or Hilton Head. Still, a cold snap can get to your pipes. The temperature will drop low enough to make trouble every so often and many homes in these parts were not constructed with hard freezes in view.
It is better to be prepared. In the cooler weather your home is not the same, so an inspection now can put an end to minor matters before they become an expensive proposition.
A Few Fall Chores for Your Plumbing
You can do some of the work around the house yourself. Make a note of the following:
- Get the water out of your garden hoses by disconnecting and draining them; you do not want it left in the line to freeze.
- Any exposed pipe in a garage, crawl space or on an outside wall should be insulated.
- Take stock of where your main shut-off valve is so there is no hunting for it in the event of a leak.
- See if there is moisture or a slow drip under the sink or about the toilet.
- Leaves and other debris in the gutters and outdoor drains need to be cleared for proper water flow.
- Give the spigots and outdoor faucets a test to confirm they close all the way.
They are not time consuming and will serve to protect the home in the coming months.
Do Not Neglect the Water Heater
As the water supply chills, the heater has to put in more effort. Fall is therefore a good time to check on it. You might hear something amiss or notice water at the base, or simply how much time it is to draw hot water at the tap.
Sediment in the tank is a fact of life and will diminish efficiency. If you find you are out of hot water quicker than of late, it calls for some scrutiny. A unit having difficulty today will only be prone to failure when you need it most, so it may be time to have your water heater inspected.
Heed the Warning Signs
Plumbing issues will sometimes make a noise about themselves, at other times they are a quiet nuisance until you are in a fix. Be on the lookout in the fall for:
- Drains that are slower to clear
- Gurgling in the toilet or sink
- Less water pressure in the house
- Staining on the floor, walls or ceiling
- An inexplicably high water bill
When you see such things, it is best to have them seen to. They will not resolve on their own and the cost goes up with time.
Leave It to the Pros
There is a time to do it yourself and a time to let a professional with the proper tools and training handle it. We are veteran owned and operated, a former U.S. Army veteran at the helm, and our team at Ace’s Plumbing has 40 plus years of experience between us. Being licensed and insured, we take pride in the honest work we put in for our neighbors.
We have flat rates and no hidden fees to speak of, as well as financing and free estimates. All with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are in the office from 8 to 5 Monday to Friday and cover Hilton Head, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Beaufort and vicinity.
Call (843) 929-5721 and we will put your home in shape for what is to come. Do not let a small drip become a major repair this fall.
