We may not worry about freezing pipes here in South Florida, but that doesn’t mean we can skip seasonal maintenance chores. Our fall plumbing list is short, but every step is important.

With milder temperatures and the end of the rainy season, fall is the perfect time to take care of a few chores without battling the elements.

Fall Plumbing Checklist for Indoors

You may find yourself with more visitors this holiday season than last year. After so many months of social distancing, the last thing you want is a plumbing emergency.

1. Check your fixtures for leaks. Leaky faucets, pipes, and drains are a common occurrence, especially with the sudden temperature changes we experience in Florida.

Even minor leaks add up to significant property damage. So, take the time to check your sinks, showers, and tubs for leaks. Most can be fixed easily with a wrench.

2. Check or replace your toilet valves, flappers, and seals. If you’re expecting guests, expect increased plumbing use in your home.

Toilet parts degrade over time, especially if you use sanitizers in the tank. You may need to replace them every three to six years but check them now before your guest book starts filling up.

3. Service your water heater. Hot water usage increases over the colder months, so fall is an excellent time to have it flushed to remove sediment. This preserves the life of the heating element and saves on energy costs. You should also check the pressure release valve and replace it if necessary.

Your fall plumbing checklist may include adjusting your water heater temperature. If you lowered it over summer, you may want to increase it to 140°F to compensate for increased usage and colder weather.

Fall Plumbing Checklist for Outdoors

In South Florida, fall weather is perfect for outdoor tasks that seemed so impossible during the heat and rain of summer.

1. Check outdoor hose bibbs for leaks and worn gaskets. Summer weather can be rough on plumbing parts and checking for leaks is never out of season.

2. Clean out gutters. Our summer storms result in a great deal of vegetative debris. Make sure your gutters channel water away from your property. Standing water near the house foundation results in mold and mildew buildup. This mold stains your exterior and infiltrates your home.

3. Adjust your irrigation system. Even in Florida, many ornamental plants and turf grasses go dormant in the winter because of reduced daylight hours. Make sure you’re not overwatering dormant plants or causing root rot by reducing the watering frequency on your sprinkler system.

Get Ready for “Winter”

Once you’ve got your fall plumbing checklist finished, it’s time to relax and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

If you find you need a hand, make an appointment with the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Port St. Lucie. Whether it’s water heater maintenance or toilet repair, our technicians will keep your home watertight throughout the season.