Autumn preparation for your home

Fall is less than a month away and here at Local Service Plumbing Pro we know how important it is to be prepared to avoid most home problems that may arise. Here are some tips to help you prepare!

• Regularly clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.

An easy fix with great returns! Clogged gutters and downsputs can put heavy load on your roof, increase garbage, invite rodents and other pests and, as the weather goes down, even pose a fire hazard.

• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.

Another great tip with tremendous output! A simple inspection can help save on your heating and AC bills while preventing further damage to expensive replacements.

• To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.

Plumbing is a great an area to focus on when thinking about seasonal preparation. Replacing pipes mean more than replacing pipes! It means extracting and installing them, potentially damaging paneling, insulation, dry-wall, and more, it also means hiring a professional as it is more complicated than installing batteries on a flashlight. Trust us when we say, let us inspect your home and sleep with peace of mind knowing that Local Service Pro Plumbing is there for you in emergencies and before they happen!

• Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

If you live in a cold area this is a great tip! Remember, that interior temps are different from exterior ones. Areas near the hills and Calabasas have dealt with interior frost without knowing it. If you are interested in this, let us know!

• If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators.

This is another tip that can save you an emergency or two. Check your water heaters. We offer free inspections for water heaters as well. Some need maintenance, some need repairs and some need replacement. We can help with all three.