Summer is winding down and cooler days are approaching, so now is the perfect time to show your home’s plumbing system a little love. With fall comes crisp air, cozy evenings, and weekend gatherings. It can also mean added stress on your plumbing fixtures and water heater. Preparing now will help ensure your home remains comfortable and worry-free for the change in seasons.
Why is Fall “Water Heater Season”
Your water heater has an easier time during the summer. Shorter showers, less demand for hot water, plus warmer incoming water temperatures. But as the temperature cools, your water heater begins to work harder to keep a consistent water temperature. Think about it, this is also when we host more get-togethers, cook healthier and heartier meals, do more laundry - - all of which increase hot water needs.
This is why Fall is the ideal time to check your water heater’s health & performance. We want to provide you with simple maintenance tricks that can help extend your water heater’s lifespan, improve its efficiency, and NOT leave you shivering in a cold shower.
End-Of-Summer Checklist:
- Flush Your Water Heater Sediment builds up on the inside of your tank over time. This could lead to inefficiency and possibly early failure. Draining and flushing your water heater once a year helps keep it running smoothly.
- Check Your Water Temperature Ensure your water temperature is set at or around 120°F. Hovering around this temperature will provide comfort and sanitation without the risk of scalding.
- Inspect Your Outdoor/Indoor Plumbing Take a moment to check hoses and outdoor faucets for leaks. If you no longer need your hoses, disconnect them. Do this inside your home as well. Check your toilets and faucets for small drips. These small drips add up and can waste gallons of water with time.
Seasonal maintenance is about peace of mind, not just preventing problems. Ensuring your plumbing is running smoothly will allow you to focus on friends and family and enjoy the break from the heat. Happy Fall!