With the first cold of the season upon us, is your plumbing in good shape? You should consider what a dip in temperature will do to the faucets outside. There are some fall issues you can head off before they become an emergency if you know where to look.
We have put our experience to work for North Texas families at Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning since 1903, making sure their homes are comfortable. Being one of the oldest plumbing and air conditioning firms in Texas to operate without interruption, we have made it our business to see how a bit of preparation in the autumn spares a homeowner some expense and worry. Should you want to discuss any of what is in this article, pick up the phone and talk to us at 214-227-9459.
In Fort Worth and Dallas fall has a way of being unpredictable; summer lingers one week and then a hard freeze comes on overnight. The combination of those warm days and cold nights makes it prudent to tend to your plumbing.
Outdoor Faucets and Pipes Need Protection
You may not get the kind of winter North Texas does in other parts of the country but when freezing weather arrives, your outdoor plumbing will be the first to feel it if left unattended.
Before the freeze sets in we recommend:
- All garden hoses should be disconnected and drained to keep water from being trapped and cracking the faucet
- Put insulated covers on your hose bibs and spigots
- Exposed pipes in the attic, garage or crawl space ought to be wrapped
- Make note of where the main shutoff valve is so there is no hunting for it in an emergency
- Any cracks in exterior walls that let cold air to the pipes need sealing
It only takes minutes for a room to flood from a burst pipe. Some pipe insulation is a small price to pay to avoid that.
An Inspection of Your Water Heater
The unit has to put in more work in the cooler months to supply hot dishwater and showers when the incoming water is cold. Most will not give their water heater a thought until it is not working on a cold morning. We would suggest you give it some attention in the fall to forestall that.
Some things to check:
- The base of the tank for rust, corrosion or a leak
- Rumbling or popping which could be sediment
- Proper function of the temperature and pressure relief valve
- That the thermostat is set for 120 degrees, a good balance of efficiency and safety
- How old it is; a tank heater will run for 10 or 12 years at most
If it is not performing as it should or is getting on in years, let our team have a look at it rather than waiting for a failure.
Get Slow Drains in Order Ahead of the Holidays
October’s slow drain will be a clog come November with a house full of family. The holidays are busy with cooking and guests and your drains will be under more of a strain.
Deal with them now:
- Grease and food in the kitchen sink
- Hair and soap in the bathroom
- A garbage disposal that is rough running or odorous
- Floor drains you do not use much
There is nothing like a backed up sink at Thanksgiving to ruin the evening. An early fix is far easier. And put no cooking grease in the drain, it cools and hardens and accumulates.
Heating System Check
Then there is the matter of heat. We are as capable of putting you in order for the cool weather with your heating as we are with the rest of your plumbing and air conditioning. A check before you put the system on for the first time will reveal any minor problems.
Trust the Team We Have Been Since 1903
From Dallas and Fort Worth to Collin and Tarrant County and over 150 zip codes in North Texas, Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning is here to serve you with no trip or per-mile charge in our area. Third and fourth generation owners have kept this a family concern and earned the respect of the Better Business Bureau and an EBSCO Research Best Pick.
For a free estimate or 24/7 emergencies we are available. Weekday rates are standard to 8pm and Saturday to 4pm. Call 214-227-9459 and make your home ready for the season.
