Is Your Plumbing Ready for Winter?

Your pipes work hard all year, but winter can be brutal on them. Frozen pipes, unexpected repairs, and water damage are common headaches for homeowners when temperatures drop. The good news? A little fall plumbing maintenance can save you time, money, and stress.

Meyer’s Companies has been helping homeowners across Northwest Indiana protect their plumbing systems from winter’s worst since 1951. Our technicians understand the unique challenges our region’s cold weather brings, and we’re here to share exactly what steps you need to take now to avoid costly repairs later.

Why Is Fall Plumbing Maintenance Important?

Winter can cause significant damage to your plumbing system if it is not properly prepared. Taking proactive steps in the fall allows you to avoid:

• Frozen Pipes: Burst pipes caused by freezing water can result in expensive damage and leave you without water.
• Emergency Repairs: Plumbing issues during winter often happen at inconvenient (and costly) times.
• High Energy Bills: A well-maintained plumbing system runs more efficiently, saving you money.
• Stress: Knowing your system is ready for cold weather gives you peace of mind throughout the entire season.

Essential Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Get your plumbing winter-ready with these simple steps:

1. Inspect and Insulate Pipes  

• Check all exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.  
• Wrap vulnerable pipes with foam insulation sleeves, heat tape, or pipe wrap to prevent freezing during cold weather.  
• Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or windows, as they are more vulnerable to freezing.  

2. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems  

• Turn off the water to outdoor faucets and drain any water from the lines.  
• Disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent cracks or freezing in the hose bibs.  
• Consider hiring a professional to fully winterize your sprinkler system by blowing out residual water from the lines to avoid pipe bursts.  

3. Service Your Water Heater  

• Flush your water heater tank to remove sediment that can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan.  
• Inspect the heater for leaks, corrosion, or signs of wear.  
• Adjust the thermostat to 120°F for optimal performance and to prevent scalding.  

4. Clean Drains and Gutters  

• Clear debris, leaves, and dirt from gutters to prevent clogs and ice dams that can cause water damage.  
• Clean out your drains to ensure they remain clog-free, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where buildup is common.  

5. Test Your Sump Pump  

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm your sump pump activates and efficiently removes water.  
• Clean the sump pit to remove dirt, gravel, or debris that could block the pump and reduce its effectiveness.  

6. Check for Leaks  

• Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and in crawl spaces for signs of leaks, including water stains, puddles, or mildew.  
• Repair even the smallest leaks now to prevent them from worsening and causing major damage during winter.  

Why Hire a Professional?

Some tasks, like insulating pipes, can be DIY-friendly, but professional plumbers offer unmatched expertise and specialized tools. Here’s what they bring to the table:  

• Identifying hidden issues homeowners might overlook.  
• Providing thorough and accurate winterization.
• Saving you time while minimizing the risk of costly DIY mistakes.  

Let the experts handle everything so you can relax, confident that your home is well taken care of.

Winter Is Coming—Act Now!

Fall plumbing maintenance is a smart way to protect your home, save money, and avoid winter emergencies.

Cold weather is just around the corner—don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Meyer’s Companies today to schedule your plumbing maintenance and enjoy a worry-free winter.