Fall Plumbing Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before Winter Arrives
Cooler mornings.
Leaves changing color.
Heating systems turning back on.
Fall is also a useful time to give your home's plumbing a basic inspection before colder weather arrives.
A little preparation now can help you identify vulnerable plumbing before winter conditions make repairs more difficult.
1. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
When appropriate for your climate and plumbing system, disconnect garden hoses before freezing weather.
Leaving hoses connected can interfere with proper winter preparation of certain outdoor faucets.
2. Inspect Outdoor Faucets
Look for:
- Dripping
- Visible damage
- Loose components
- Other signs of deterioration
If your outdoor plumbing requires specific winterization procedures, follow the appropriate instructions for that system.
3. Identify Exposed Pipes
Check accessible plumbing in areas such as:
- Garages
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Utility areas
- Other colder spaces
Determine whether vulnerable pipes need appropriate cold-weather protection.
4. Inspect Pipe Insulation
If pipes are already insulated, inspect the material.
Look for missing, damaged, or deteriorated sections.
Use replacement insulation appropriate for the pipe and application.
5. Check Under the Sinks
Cold-weather preparation shouldn't focus only on outdoor plumbing.
Inspect kitchen and bathroom cabinets for moisture, deteriorated supply lines, or leaking connections.
6. Inspect Shutoff Valves
Know where important water shutoffs are located.
Don't force a stuck or deteriorated valve.
If a valve doesn't appear to operate properly, consider having it evaluated before an emergency.
7. Check Toilets
Listen for toilets that run continuously or refill unexpectedly.
Fall is a good time to address minor plumbing problems you've been ignoring.
8. Check Drains
A drain that's already slow shouldn't be forgotten simply because winter is coming.
Address developing drainage problems before holiday guests and increased household activity.
9. Know Your Main Water Shutoff
Every household should know how to locate the main water shutoff.
If a pipe problem occurs during winter, this information can become extremely important.
10. Prepare Basic Emergency Supplies
Consider keeping appropriate basics accessible:
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Towels
- Basic plumbing tools
- Appropriate plunger
- Plumber contact information
Preparation doesn't prevent every problem.
It helps you respond more effectively when something happens.
Fall Plumbing Checklist
✔ Disconnect hoses where appropriate
✔ Inspect outdoor faucets
✔ Identify vulnerable pipes
✔ Check insulation
✔ Inspect under sinks
✔ Check accessible valves
✔ Listen to toilets
✔ Watch slow drains
✔ Locate main shutoff
✔ Prepare emergency supplies
Final Thoughts
Winter plumbing preparation doesn't begin when the first pipe freezes.
It begins in the fall.
Walk through your home.
Look at the plumbing you normally ignore.
Take care of small problems.
Know where your shutoffs are.
A simple fall inspection can help your plumbing enter the colder season better prepared.