As temperatures drop in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, many homeowners start preparing their homes for winter. But while you may be focused on your furnace or roof, your plumbing system also needs attention before freezing weather arrives. Skipping these simple fall maintenance steps can leave you with frozen pipes, basement backups, or a water heater breakdown right when you need it most.
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1. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Disconnect Hoses
Leaving water inside outdoor spigots and hoses is one of the fastest ways to end up with frozen pipes. Start by disconnecting your hoses and storing them indoors. Then, shut off the inside valve (if your home has one) and open the spigot to let any remaining water drain out.
This small step prevents hidden pipes in your walls from bursting when the first deep freeze arrives.
2. Test Your Sump Pump Before Heavy Rain and Snowmelt
Fall storms and spring snowmelt are two of the biggest culprits for basement flooding in our area. To avoid surprises, pour a bucket of water into your sump pit and make sure the pump activates and drains correctly.
If it doesn’t run smoothly, schedule sump pump services with A+ Services before you find yourself dealing with a flooded basement.
3. Clean Gutters to Prevent Basement Backups
Clogged gutters and downspouts don’t just affect your roof—they can push water toward your foundation and into your basement. Clear leaves and debris in the fall so rainwater and melting snow can flow freely away from your home.
Pairing clean gutters with a functioning sump pump provides extra protection against water damage.
4. Check Your Water Heater for Age and Sediment Buildup
No one wants to wake up to a cold shower on a freezing morning. Take a few minutes this fall to inspect your water heater. Look for signs of rust, leaks, or sediment buildup around the tank. If your water heater is over 8–12 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
For efficiency and peace of mind, schedule professional water heater services with A+ Services. We handle both tank and tankless systems.
5. Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection
Fall is the perfect time to check your sewer line before the ground freezes. Tree roots, shifting soil, and hidden cracks can cause clogs or backups in the middle of winter when repairs are harder. A professional camera inspection can spot issues before they turn into messy emergencies.
Learn more about our pipe camera inspections and how they can save you from expensive sewer repairs.
6. Inspect for Hidden Leaks Around the Home
Even a slow drip from a faucet or a faint water stain on the ceiling could signal a bigger plumbing issue. In colder months, leaks often worsen as pipes expand and contract. Catching them early can prevent both water waste and costly repairs.
If you notice higher water bills or musty odors, consider scheduling drain cleaning or leak detection services with our licensed team.
7. Insulate Exposed Pipes in Unheated Areas
Basements, crawl spaces, and garages are common places where pipes freeze first. Foam insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install—and they could save you from a burst pipe this winter.
For pipes that are difficult to access or already showing wear, A+ Services can provide professional insulation and repair options.
Protect Your Home with A+ Services This Fall
A little preventative plumbing maintenance in the fall goes a long way toward preventing winter emergencies. From sump pump services to water heater maintenance and camera inspections, our team is here to help you prepare your home for cold weather.
Serving homeowners across Covington, Florence, Independence, and Greater Cincinnati, A+ Services provides honest advice, flat-rate pricing, and 24/7 emergency support when you need it most.
Don’t wait until it’s freezing outside—schedule your fall plumbing inspection today with A+ Services.
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