Fall Plumbing Reset: 7 Things to Check Around Your Home 

Fall in Tampa Bay doesn’t always mean sweaters and chilly mornings. September and October can still bring plenty of heat, humidity, heavy rain, and tropical weather, so it’s a good time to give your plumbing a quick once-over. 

With so much rain moving through the area during this part of the year, small leaks and drainage problems can cause much bigger headaches. A few simple checks around the house can help you catch problems before they lead to water damage or an emergency plumbing call. 

Here are seven places to start with tips from our team at Coral Pelican Plumbing: 

#1. Check Under Your Sinks 

Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks and take a look around. Check the supply lines, drain connections, and the bottom of the cabinet for moisture or water stains. Even a small leak can eventually damage the cabinet and create conditions where mold can grow. 

While you’re there, pay attention to musty smells or anything that looks damp. If you find moisture, it’s worth figuring out where it’s coming from rather than waiting to see if it gets worse. 

#2. Look at Your Water Heater 

Your water heater works year-round, and fall is a convenient time to check its condition. Look around the tank for puddles, rust, corrosion, or moisture near the connections. If you have a tankless water heater, check around the unit and its connections for anything unusual as well. 

If your water heater is getting older, a plumbing evaluation can give you a better idea of its condition and whether you should start planning for a replacement. It’s a lot easier to deal with that decision ahead of time than when you suddenly have no hot water. 

#3. Test Your Toilets for Leaks 

A leaking toilet doesn’t always leave a puddle on the floor. To check for a tank leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait about 10 to 15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, the flapper or another component may need attention. 

Also check around the base of the toilet for moisture or staining. If the toilet rocks when you sit down, there could be an issue with the seal. 

#4. Check Your Faucets and Showerheads 

Turn on each faucet and shower and pay attention to how everything is working. Look for dripping faucets, reduced water flow, or changes in water pressure. Mineral buildup can also affect faucet aerators and showerheads over time. 

A little buildup can often be cleaned away, but persistent low pressure or a change that affects multiple fixtures may point to a larger plumbing issue. 

#5. Pay Attention to Slow Drains 

Your drains have plenty of work to do, especially with all the everyday use that comes with a busy household. If your kitchen sink is draining more slowly than usual or your shower starts leaving water around your feet, there could be buildup developing in the line. 

Try not to rely on harsh chemical drain cleaners every time something slows down. They do not address the actual cause of the clog and can be hard on some plumbing systems. If a drain keeps giving you trouble, a Coral Pelican plumber can swoop in and determine what’s causing the blockage and recommend the appropriate fix. 

#6. Inspect Your Outdoor Plumbing 

This one is especially worth checking before and after a stretch of heavy Tampa Bay rain. Look at outdoor faucets, hose connections, exposed pipes, and irrigation components for leaks or damage. Make sure your hose bibs shut off completely when you’re not using them. 

If you have a sprinkler system, keep an eye out for unusually soggy areas in the yard, unexplained increases in water use, or sections of grass that seem much greener than everything around them. These can be signs of an irrigation or underground plumbing leak. 

#7. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is 

This might be the simplest plumbing check on the list, but it can make a big difference during an emergency. Find your home’s main water shutoff valve and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it. If a pipe bursts or a major leak suddenly develops, shutting off the water quickly can help limit the damage. 

If you aren’t sure which valve controls the entire house, ask one of our plumbers the next time we’re there. It’s much better to figure it out now than while water is running across your floor. 

Give Your Plumbing a Fall Checkup 

Tampa Bay’s version of fall is a little different. We may not be preparing for freezing temperatures, but we’re still dealing with plenty of rain and tropical weather in the early part of the season. 

A quick check around the house can help you catch leaks, drainage problems, and other plumbing issues before they become more expensive problems!  

Got a plumbing problem? Our team at Coral Pelican Plumbing is ready to swoop in and solve it with pinpoint precision. Whether it’s a stubborn clog, a sneaky leak, or a change in water pressure, contact us, and we’ll help get things back in order!