School is back in session and that means that families are getting back onto their schedule. Part of that schedule means going to bed on time and that doesn’t leave much time for playing outside.

Not to mention that the temperature is dropping and running around in the sprinklers is not as fun as it is during the hot weather of summer.

There are many things to get done around the house this time of year to prepare for the cold weather, and maintenance for your plumbing system should be at the top of the list.

Since none of your outdoor plumbing is needed during the winter months, it is important to make sure that you get it properly stored. Also, there are many other things that you should do for your plumbing system before the cold weather arrives.

Most of your plumbing system is buried outside in the ground on your property. So, it is very vulnerable to the outdoor weather and temperatures.

It is very important to protect your plumbing system from the cold weather by following these simple tips for maintenance:

• Unhook your garden hoses and drip systems to avoid any major problems with your plumbing system. Garden hoses are not rated to resist freezing temperatures. However, they do have water inside of them that can freeze when the temperature gets cold enough. That frozen water will block the line and prevent any air from moving through. This will cause a buildup of pressure that can damage the system and create problems inside of your home.
• Have your septic and sewer system checked. These systems must be professionally serviced on a regular basis to ensure that nothing comes up that leads to a major failure. Your septic tank should be pumped regularly and your sewer line must be checked for roots to ensure there isn’t a break or leak
• Keep your rain gutters cleaned out and free from clogs. Your rain gutters are responsible for diverting water away from the foundation of your home. If there is a clog or blockage in the system, then the water can’t flow and your basement could flood. This will lead to mold and mildew growth in the basement of your home.

Make sure that you add these few maintenance checks for your plumbing system to your to-do list. They are small projects that will have major impact on protecting your home and plumbing system from a major failure or breakdown.