Get Your Home Fall-Ready: Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips

At Highsmith & Daughters Plumbing Inc., our family-owned team knows that proactive maintenance is key to avoiding plumbing emergencies and costly repairs. Below, we share expert plumbing tips that will keep your home running smoothly, protect your investment, and provide peace of mind throughout the season.

Why Fall Plumbing Maintenance Matters

With the shift in weather from dry California summers to cooler, damper fall days, your plumbing system faces unique seasonal stressors. Unaddressed issues like minor leaks or slow drains can worsen as temperatures drop, potentially leading to water damage or burst pipes. By scheduling a plumbing check-up now, homeowners in Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks can catch problems early and ensure their homes are ready for whatever fall brings.

Inspect and Protect Your Pipes

Chilly nights can impact exposed pipes, especially in garages, basements, or exterior walls. Proper insulation is essential to prevent freezing and bursting pipes—a common cause of water damage during colder months in areas like Westlake Village and Agoura Hills.

Here’s what you can do:

• Check for exposed pipes in unheated areas and wrap them with pipe insulation.
• Inspect for visible leaks or corrosion and schedule repairs promptly.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

It’s not just interior plumbing that needs attention. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up, potentially leading to foundation issues and basement flooding.

Essential gutter maintenance tips:

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure downspouts direct water at least three feet away from your home’s foundation.
• Check for leaks or sagging in the gutter system, and repair as needed.

Check Your Water Heater

As temperatures drop around Calabasas and Chatsworth, you’ll rely more on your water heater for hot showers and household tasks. Fall is the perfect time for a water heater inspection to ensure efficiency and reliability.

Maintenance steps include:

• Inspect the unit for leaks, rust, or corrosion.
• Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency.
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve.

If you notice any issues or haven’t had your water heater serviced in the past year, contact a professional plumber in Simi Valley for expert assistance.

Address Slow Drains and Blockages

With more gatherings and holiday cooking on the horizon, your kitchen and bathroom drains will get extra use. Prevent inconvenient backups by addressing slow drains now.

Tips to keep your drains flowing:

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down your kitchen sink.
• Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris in bathroom sinks and showers.
• If you notice persistent clogs or foul odors, professional drain services can quickly resolve the issue.

Preventative checks like these are especially important for older homes in historic Ventura neighborhoods, where aging pipes may need extra care.

Test Sump Pumps and Check for Leaks

Even in drier Southern California, a sudden fall rainstorm can lead to water intrusion. If your home has a sump pump or basement, ensure everything is functioning correctly.

To prepare:

• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and confirming it activates.
• Inspect basement walls for moisture or mold, which can indicate a hidden leak.
• Review your plumbing for any signs of leaks or water damage, especially after heavy rains.

Schedule a Fall Plumbing Inspection with Highsmith & Daughters Plumbing

Getting your home fall-ready doesn’t have to be stressful. At Highsmith & Daughters Plumbing Inc., we offer comprehensive plumbing inspections, drain services, and 24/7 emergency repairs to homeowners in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and nearby areas. Our experienced, licensed plumbers deliver the highest standards of service and meticulous attention to detail.

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to disrupt your season. Contact Highsmith & Daughters Plumbing Inc. today to schedule your fall plumbing maintenance check, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected—no matter what autumn brings.

Ready for reliable, professional plumbing service? Call us now or visit our website to book your appointment!