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Houston Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance 101

houston plumbingHouston’s weather is well-known for being wildly unpredictable. From the relentless heat to the unexpected February freezes, there can be a myriad of challenges for your plumbing system – regardless of the season. Working with a trusted Houston plumber is not just encouraged for seasonal maintenance; it’s a non-negotiable. Learning about the specific challenges your Houston plumbing system might encounter each season can prepare you to know when you need expert help.

When it comes to plumbing malfunctions, the unfortunate truth is that it’s not typically a matter of if a problem will occur, but instead when it will occur. Any homeowner in Houston should know the key signs to look for so they can keep a minor issue from snowballing into something much more costly and serious. At Santhoff Plumbing in Houston, we strive to empower our clients by not just offering the most dependable plumbing services, but also educating them on how Houston’s varying seasons can affect their system.

Preparing for the Houston Fall Season: How Your Plumber Can Help Transition Your System

In Houston, the Fall season may be short, but it is a vital preparation period for readying your plumbing system for the wet and chilly winter months. Cold snaps in normally warm climates can cause detrimental harm if you don’t invest in a Houston plumber to execute vital Fall season maintenance.

To prepare for the upcoming fall season, make sure you properly insulate all of your home’s exposed pipes. While it might sound simple, you can find exposed pipes in many spaces, including your attic, crawlspace, and exterior walls. Insulating your pipes before the weather gets colder gives you peace of mind that your home’s plumbing will be protected from any unexpected freezes in the coming months.

Additionally, make sure you tune up your water heater for the colder months ahead. When it’s cooler outside, your water heater typically puts in more work to account for increased hot water usage. Our team of plumbers can check your water heater’s thermostats, anodes, and pressure relief valves to make sure it can get you through the upcoming winter smoothly, without any unexpected problems. 

Lastly, in the fall, repair any dripping faucets you’ve been putting off or get any suspicions checked out. At Santhoff Plumbing, our Houston plumbing experts not only precisely locate leaks within your plumbing system but also repair them swiftly and thoroughly. Now is the perfect time to get a general inspection of your plumbing system to ensure minor flaws don’t escalate as temperatures drop.  

Houston Winter Plumbing: Unexpected Freeze Preparation

Oftentimes, one of the most costly Houston plumbing dangers you may face as a Houston homeowner is something you didn’t think you needed to worry about – freezing temperatures. While many people living in colder climates have grown up insulating their pipes and know the standard procedures for freeze preparation, many Houstonians aren’t aware of how dangerous this rare weather can be for their plumbing system. 

In the rare case that your home’s pipes freeze, contacting your Houston plumber immediately is a non-negotiable. Frozen pipe remediation is something that requires careful attention to detail and expertise in order to prevent further damage to the system. 

Another key aspect of winter plumbing maintenance is educating yourself on the steps you need to take when a freeze is expected. The most important thing to know is how to shut off your main water line by locating the correct valve. The easiest way to ensure you remember exactly which valve is the correct one is to label it in case of an emergency. By shutting off your water before a freeze, you can prevent a slew of expensive, significant repairs. 

Spring Into Action: How Your Houston Plumber Can Help Refresh Your System

The winter season can be a wild ride for Houston homeowners – from the erratic temperature drops to the bone-chilling rainstorms. Because of this, springtime is the perfect time to refresh and revamp your plumbing system after the grueling winter months. When you work with your Houston plumber from Santhoff Plumbing, here are the primary things we check for your plumbing systems’ “spring cleaning”:

  • Pipe and fixture inspection: This is one of the most vital elements in a spring plumbing refresh. Even a less severe freeze can cause microfractures in your piping, which can lead to serious water damage. 
  • Sewer line and drain check-up: Winter and early spring rain showers can test your home’s drainage system. By working closely with your Houston plumber, you can be sure there are no sneaky blockages or growing buildup that could contribute to a clog.
  • Water heater flush: It’s common for water heaters to collect sediment buildup over the winter months when they are working harder. Having a professional plumber flush your tank is vital for keeping your unit working properly. 

By practicing timely inspections after the winter months, you can not only catch small leaks due to microfractures before they grow, but you can also have peace of mind that your system can move into the hotter months without a hitch.

Summer in Houston: High-Pressure Plumbing Maintenance

Houston summers are known for their brutal heat, relentless sun, and unbelievable humidity. All of these factors contribute to one thing in common – plumbing disasters. Oftentimes, this is due to a variety of reasons, including increased water usage and the looming hurricane season. When you work with Santhoff Plumbing in Houston, our plumbers can help your plumbing system beat the heat by checking your water pressure. We can do this by performing an acoustic leak detection test to make sure no hidden leaks are contributing to a weak, inconsistent flow.   

Additionally, summertime can also bring about more social gatherings, such as pool parties and family celebrations. These events can lead to more food waste going down drains and potentially clogging your garbage disposal. A professional plumber is integral for doing a deep clean of your kitchen drains to prevent foul odors from building up. 

Lastly, Houston’s heat and hurricane-level rainstorms during the summer can sometimes contribute to foundational issues below your home. These can lead to a slew of plumbing nightmares, so having a Houston plumber check your slab for any soil movement can help prevent expensive or invasive repairs down the line.  

Year-Round Expertise: Proactive Plumbing Services For All Seasons

For all Houston homeowners, learning about the different plumbing maintenance issues that each season brings is vital because holidays, traditions, and vacations throughout the year can easily sweep you away. Working with a dependable, trusted Houston plumber like the team at Santhoff Plumbing can help keep your system in prime condition year-round, saving you time, money, and peace of mind. Just take a look at our Google reviews to see the reliable service we provide for our clients throughout all of Houston’s seasons:

“Top notch. Professional. Cleaned up. Fixed it all. Great knowledge and helpful. Had the team back for a second job to install a new kitchen sink, faucet, and disposal. Amazing work. Very professional again. Cleaned everything up, and the install looks and works excellent.” – David Durrant

If you’re looking for an expert Houston plumber, contact Santhoff Plumbing today for a free estimate on your system’s seasonal maintenance.