Now that the neighborhood pool is closed, buses are rolling in and the air is feeling slightly more crisp you might be ready for fall, but is your house?
Did you know the shift from summer to fall is a big transition for your home’s drainage system?
Responsible for providing clear passageway for any water that enters your home to make its way out, drains are a critical component to the functionality and health of your plumbing system.
You probably don’t give much thought to what happens when you activate a faucet, throw in a load of laundry, or flush the toilet. But, these all require water which needs a clear way to exit your home. For this reason, every plumbing fixture and appliance has a drain line which is connected to the main water line. Water travels this network of lines before it’s expelled in the septic tank and sewer system. And, if you battle clogged drains, you’re no stranger to how slow this process can take!
Your plumbing system runs from the inside out
Did you know that clear drainage isn’t limited to inside your home? Exterior drainage systems are just as important to the safety of your home, and health of your plumbing system.
Fall is on its way which means cooler temperatures, rain and leaves. The change in seasons, and the weather that comes along with it, can have a huge impact on your exterior drainage system. Checking for good drainage and clear passageways around your home’s exterior is one of the smartest (and easiest!) things you can do to this time of year to prevent emergency plumbing repairs.
Exterior drainage system tips
- Conduct a visual inspection from the ground up of exterior components, including gutters, downspouts, flashing, vents, etc.
- Make sure downspouts and gutters aren’t damaged or cracked.
- Check for leaks, corrosion, signs of blockage and clear out all debris to ensure smooth water drainage.
- Remove leaves and other debris from around window wells.
- Consider a roofing inspection to assess roofing ventilation.
- Check vent pipes that lead from the inside out, these are part of your drain-waste-vent system.
- Know the warning signs of root meets pipe, like recurring slow drains and drain gurgling.
Be proactive about plumbing, not reactive
Flowing water and smooth drainage is a convenience we expect day in and day out. It’s important to give some attention to exterior drainage as we enter the time of year where Mother Nature brings culprits like fallen leaves and freezing temperatures that may jeopardize the health of our plumbing. Inspecting and repairing components of your exterior drainage system can mean the difference in clear drainage through the fall and winter, and expensive, inconveniencing plumbing repairs year round.
Learn about the importance of exterior drainage maintenance, or contact Robinson’s Plumbing today at (804) 794-0918 to schedule residential plumbing service now!