As the air turns crisp and the trees burst into color, fall is a beautiful time of year here in North Idaho. But while you're enjoying pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters, and hot coffee, your plumbing system needs to be prepared for colder weather ahead.

Fall is one of the most important times to check in on your home's plumbing. A little maintenance now can help you avoid frozen pipes, water damage, and costly repairs later this winter.

Here is our fall plumbing check list to help you keep your North Idaho home safe, warm, and leak-free:

Disconnect and Drain Hoses

Before the first hard freeze, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain them completely. Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside the faucet, which can freeze, expand, and burst your pipes. A few minutes spent now can save you from a major leak later.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Check your crawlspace, basement, and garage for exposed plumbing. These are the areas most vulnerable to freezing. Foam pipe insulation is an easy, inexpensive way to prevent burst pipes and improve your home's energy efficiency.

Close Foundation Vents

If your home has a crawlspace, fall is the time to close and seal your foundation vents. This helps keep warm air inside, protects your pipes from freezing, and can even make your floors warmer on chilly mornings.

Service Your Water Heater

Your water heater works extra hard in the colder months. Flushing it in the fall removes sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. If it's been a while since your last water heater service and you'd rather have the pros do it for you, schedule a maintenance visit with Big Red Plumbing to make sure it's running efficiently before winter.

Check Outdoor Faucets and Frost-Free Spigots

Before temperatures drop, inspect outdoor faucets and frost-free spigots for drips or cracks. Catching leaks early prevents burst pipes later. Consider installing frost-free fixtures if you don't already have them — they're designed to withstand Idaho's cold winters.

Test Your Sump Pump

With fall rains and melting snow on the way, your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. Pour a few gallons of water into the pit to make sure the pump activates and drains properly. A quick test now can save you from an expensive cleanup later.

Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe bursts, you'll need to act fast. Locate your main shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is. Turning it off quickly can prevent major water damage while you wait for your plumber to arrive.

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, your kitchen and bathroom plumbing will be working overtime. Between cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests, it's easy for drains and disposals to get overloaded. A few mindful habits in the kitchen and bathroom can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing happy during the holidays. Here's how to keep things flowing smoothly through the season:

• Pumpkin Pro Tip: Keep seeds and stringy bits out of your sink and garbage disposal. Pumpkin pulp can cling, clog, and cause big headaches for your drains — just toss it in the trash instead.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain. Once cooled, they solidify and cause clogs. Pour grease into a container, let it harden, and throw it away.
• Remind guests what not to flush. Only toilet paper belongs in the toilet — wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products can cause backups and plumbing emergencies.

And Don't forget: Big Red Plumbing Is Always Here to Help!

We're proud to serve homeowners across Bonner County, Boundary County, and Kootenai County, keeping homes safe, and leak-free all year long.

If you need help preparing your home for the cold weather ahead or you're facing a plumbing emergency give us a call — Big Red Plumbing is always just a phone call away with 24/7 live answer. 

And keep in mind — fall is the perfect time to schedule a plumbing check-up before winter sets in. A professional inspection can catch small leaks, insulation gaps, or worn parts before they turn into costly winter problems.

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