5 Plumbing Tips for Fall

When you think of autumn, with its vibrant colors and cooler temperatures, “plumbing tips for fall” may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But as the weather turns brisk, it’s also the perfect time for Seattle-area homeowners to prepare their plumbing, drains, and sewer systems for the colder months ahead. 

Unfortunately, many wait until problems like clogged pipes or backed-up sewer drains are already causing headaches. However, by adopting a proactive approach, such as scheduling annual maintenance checks, you can keep your home’s pipes and drains in optimal condition and avoid costly repairs.

With that in mind, Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter is happy to share our 5 plumbing tips for fall!

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

As fall approaches, it’s important to prepare your home’s downspouts and drain pipes for the seasonal changes. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and debris. This prevents blockages from accumulating leaves, ensuring smooth drainage and protecting against water overflow, which can damage your home’s foundation or cause leaks in basements and crawl spaces. 

Clearing gutters, along with drain cleaning and snaking sewer lines to remove blockages, is part of a regular maintenance regimen, and essential to prevent serious problems like seepage and foundation damage during the fall and winter months.

2. Go After Roots in Pipes

In the Pacific Northwest, the combination of abundant trees and frequent rainfall makes sewer lines particularly susceptible to tree root invasions. Roots naturally seek out moisture sources, often leading them to household plumbing where they can cause blockages, exert pressure, and potentially result in cracks, breaks, or even complete pipe collapses. 

The damage from such invasions can be extensive and expensive to repair if not caught in time. At Bob Oates, we know how to tackle roots in pipes. Scheduling professional maintenance before autumn sets in is a great time to “root out” these potential troublemakers before they become costly repairs.

3. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater

Fall is an ideal time to inspect and service your water heater, as it will need to work harder as the winter months approach and incoming water is colder. Regular maintenance, including draining and flushing, helps ensure the unit heats effectively and reduces the risk of breakdowns or leaks. Proper servicing also extends the lifespan of your water heater.

It’s recommended to set the water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance. Additionally, consider a tankless water heater for on-demand hot water and improved energy efficiency. The team at Bob Oates is also available for any questions you may have about water main repair as well.

4. Check the Sump Pump

In Western Washington, sump pumps are essential for preventing water damage and mold growth due to the high risk of flooding. They are installed at the lowest point of a basement or crawl space to pump water away efficiently, actively removing water that accumulates. 

Inspecting and maintaining your sump pump in the fall ensures it’s ready for the rainy season. While regular maintenance can prolong its life, consider replacing pumps that are 10 to 15 years old. And for reliability during storms, opt for a sump pump with a backup battery.

5. Sewer Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance

The team at Bob Oates are professional side sewer contractors. We know sewer clogs and backups tend to be more common during the holidays when plumbing systems are under extra stress — and we’re here to help you make sure that doesn’t happen. The last thing you want is a clogged sewer line when hosting guests. A clogged line can cause sewage to back up into your home, creating a messy and potentially hazardous situation.

To avoid this, it’s a good idea to schedule a sewer line inspection well before the holidays. Our technicians use a specialized camera to check for tree roots, clogs, or cracks in the pipes. If issues are found, we can snake the line or use hydro jetting to clear any blockages and prevent problems before high-use periods, such as visits by family and friends as fall becomes winter.

Hydro jetting, by the way, utilizes high-pressure water jets to thoroughly cleanse the sewer pipes. The pressurized water not only removes debris but also maintains the pipeline’s integrity. This provides a robust foundation for any required maintenance work, and the sewer pipe is ready should any repairs be necessary.

Ready for Every Season!

We hope you’ve found our 5 plumbing tips for fall useful! At Bob Oates, we’re proud to be your trusted Seattle plumber for over 30 years. We proudly offer comprehensive sewer services that include inspection, cleaning, and sewer pipe relining—all without the need for invasive trenching. We’re a family-run business that is honored to have served the communities around Seattle, Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Tacoma for over 30 years. 

Give us a call or contact us online today!