Top 10 DIY Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it's essential to turn your attention to your plumbing system to prevent issues that can arise with the changing seasons. Fall and winter bring unique challenges for plumbing, including freezing temperatures and increased water usage.

Plumbing failures can range from a slow-drip leak to a complete pipe burst and thousands of dollars in damage. Water damage accounts for around 28% of all homeowner claims. 

If inspecting your own plumbing feels daunting, your neighborhood Ben Franklin Plumbing experts are standing by to perform a comprehensive inspection and identify any potential issues long before they tap into your household budget.

For you DIYers out there, here’s a detailed Fall & Winter Plumbing Inspection Checklist:

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes: 

  • Insulate: In unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect vulnerable pipes. This will help maintain water temperature and prevent freezing.
  • Seal Gaps: Use caulk or foam sealant to close gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home.
  • Open Cabinet Doors: Doing this under sinks will allow warm air to circulate around pipes and can be especially important for plumbing located in exterior walls during sub-freezing temperatures. 

2. Check Water Pressure:

  • Monitor for Fluctuations: Keep an eye on your water pressure. Significant changes can be a red flag indicating freezing pipes or a malfunctioning pressure regulator.
  • Inspect Pressure Regulator: If you have a pressure regulator, ensure it's functioning correctly for the efficient operation of your plumbing system.

3. Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures:

  • Check for Leaks: Inspect faucets, toilets, and showerheads for leaks. Addressing small leaks promptly can prevent more significant issues and reduce water waste.
  • Test Drains: If any drains are not emptying smoothly, address the issue promptly to prevent clogs. If over-the-counter clog solutions do not work, the blockage could be more severe and require a Ben Franklin Plumbing expert. 

4. Winterize Outdoor Faucets:

  • Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the shut-off valve for outdoor faucets and turn it off. This prevents water from sitting in the pipes and freezing.
  • Drain Faucets: After turning off the water supply, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water. This helps prevent ice buildup inside the faucet and pipes.
  • Install Covers: Use insulated faucet covers to protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.

5. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts:

  • Remove Debris: Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation.
  • Check for Proper Drainage: Ensure that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling near your home, which can lead to basement leaks and other issues.

6. Inspect and Clean Sump Pump:

  • Test Functionality: Test your sump pump to ensure it's working correctly. Pour water into the sump pit to activate the pump and check for proper drainage.
  • Clean the Pump: Remove debris from the sump pit and the pump itself. Regular cleaning helps prevent clogs and ensures efficient operation.

7. Inspect Water Heater:

  • Check for Leaks: Inspect your water heater for leaks or corrosion which can signal serious issues that may impact performance or even lead to property damage.
  • Flush the Tank: If you haven’t done so recently, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. Sediment can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and lead to overheating.
  • Call a Pro: Proper water heater maintenance is often best left to your local Ben Franklin Plumbing expert given the complexity of the equipment and additional electrical components.  Click here for more important water heater maintenance information.

8. Prepare for Snow and Ice:

  • Clear Snow from Vents: Blocked vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Ensure vents and exhaust pipes are clear of snow and ice to maintain proper ventilation. 
  • Check Roof and Gutters: Inspect your roof and gutters for ice dams. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and lead to leaks inside your home.

9. Inspect Sewer Lines

  • Look for Signs of Backup: Watch for signs of sewer backups, such as slow drains or unpleasant odors. Address any issues promptly to prevent more severe problems.
  • Clean Out Drains: Use a drain cleaner or professional service to keep your sewer lines clear of debris. Regular maintenance helps prevent blockages and backups.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

  • Know Shut-Off Valve Locations: Familiarize yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve so that you can quickly turn off the water supply, and in case of an emergency, prevent significant water damage.
  • Have an Emergency Plan: Develop a plan for dealing with plumbing emergencies and keep your local Ben Franklin Plumbing contact information within easy reach. 

This is a high-level fall and winter plumbing inspection checklist for your home’s water-related systems. However, spotting a possible problem isn’t the same as properly fixing it. Since plumbing repairs and upgrades usually involve knowledge of local city, county, and state building codes, we highly recommend letting one of our insured, bonded, and certified professionals handle the service call.  

At Ben Franklin Plumbing, we address your plumbing concerns correctly, safely, and affordably the first time. We’ve been proudly serving customers in Charlotte and the surrounding area for decades, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville.

Visit http://www.benfranklinplumbing.com  or call our 24/7 customer service line today 800.471.0809.