Top 3 Fall Home Maintenance Disasters

When fall arrives and people begin to turn most of their attention to the upcoming holiday season, they often fail to address potential problems with their plumbing systems.
As a result, many problems that may initially be small ones may in fact become much bigger ones if left unattended.
To make sure a Arlington, VA home maintenance disaster does not happen and the fall season can be one of relaxation, a plumber should be contacted to inspect the home’s plumbing systems for any potential problems.

Water Heater Service

When the temperatures start getting low, a Arlington, VA home’s water heater works harder than ever. Because of this, it can be more prone to breakdowns.
Whether it’s a thermostat that may be on the blink, a leaking tank, or a pressure relief valve that may have corroded over time, making sure the water heater is in good working order is imperative.
This should only be done by a professional plumber, since the water inside the heater is very hot and unnecessary damage can occur if a person is not experienced with these appliances.

Broken Water Valves

Whether it’s the main water valve for a home or shut-off valves for individual faucets, a broken water valve can prove to be a major problem when it’s needed. Due to the valves being exposed to water and damp conditions, they are very susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Unfortunately, if they are not looked at for a long period of time, they can either fail to turn or simply break when trying to be turned. If a pipe has burst and the water supply needs to be cut off immediately, a broken water valve can result in extensive flooding and damage.

Frozen Water Supply Lines

Many homes have water supply lines located in their attics, which works well unless they freeze and burst. Then, the result is water leaking through ceilings, down walls, and soaking everything that happens to be in its way.
One of the best ways to ensure this does not happen is to have a plumber examine the lines for any leaks, cracks, or rust they may have, then properly insulate the lines and eliminate any areas that may lead to cold air entering the attic.
By doing so, the attic can stay as a place used simply for storage, rather than a room that looks as if it has a waterfall in it as well.

If it can go wrong, it will – unless you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call The Plumbing Dr. at (703) 525-9280 to get your Arlington, VA home inspected.