Fall is prime time to get ahead of winter plumbing problems. A few smart checks now can prevent frozen pipes, basement water, and surprise no-hot-water calls later. These tips are tailored for Wichita, KS and surrounding areas—Maize, Goddard, Andover, Derby, Haysville, Park City, Bel Aire, and nearby.
Fast Fall Plumbing Checklist
- Protect hose bibs: Disconnect hoses, install covers, and shut off/drain interior bib valves if you have them.
- Test your sump pump: Lift the float; confirm strong discharge and check the check valve. Add or test a battery backup.
- Flush the water heater: Sediment is common with Wichita’s hard water—flush and inspect the anode rod.
- Insulate vulnerable pipes: Garages, crawlspaces, and exterior walls are freeze-prone. Add insulation/heat cable where needed.
- Clear gutters & downspouts: Move roof water away from the foundation to reduce sump cycling and seepage.
- Find & label main shutoffs: Make sure everyone at home knows how to stop water fast.
- Run seldom-used fixtures: Refill traps to prevent odors; look for slow drains that might need cleaning.
Outside Prep: Hose Bibs, Irrigation, & Drainage
Freeze at the hose bib is a top cause of burst lines. Disconnect hoses and use insulated covers. If your home has interior shutoffs for the bibs, close them and open the exterior bib to drain. For irrigation, winterize per manufacturer guidance—blowout prevents cracked backflow devices and buried piping.
Watch the grading around the house and keep downspouts extended—clay soils around Wichita can hold water near the foundation, overworking sump systems after storms.
Sump Pumps: Test Now, Not During a Storm
Pour a bucket of water into the pit or lift the float—your pump should start quickly and discharge strongly. If it hesitates, chatters, or runs without moving water, schedule a check. We recommend a battery backup and a high-water alarm so power outages don’t become basement floods. Where plumbing codes and supply allow, water-powered backups can also add a reliable layer of protection.
Need help sizing or upgrading? See West Wichita Sump Pumps: Maintenance & Backups.
Water Heaters: Flush Sediment, Check Anodes
Sediment buildup causes noise, lukewarm showers, and early failure. A fall flush helps tanks run quieter and more efficiently; we’ll also check the anode rod. Running tankless? Annual flushing/descaling reduces error codes and keeps efficiency high—especially with hard water.
Drains & Sewer: Prevent Holiday Backups
Big gatherings mean more water down the line. If you’ve had repeat clogs, fall is the best time for camera inspections & cleaning. For heavy scale, grease, or roots in main lines or commercial kitchens, we offer hydro-jetting for a deeper clean. Restaurants and food-service businesses can also schedule grease trap cleaning to prevent backups and odors.
Freeze Protection: Where Pipes Are Most At Risk
Pipes in garages, attics, crawlspaces, and exterior walls are most vulnerable. Insulate exposed runs and seal drafts. If extreme cold is forecast, open cabinet doors at kitchen/bath sinks on exterior walls and let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving.
When to Call (Don’t Wait Too Long!)
- Hose bib won’t shut off, or you notice water at the wall
- Sump pump short-cycles, runs hot, or no discharge at the outlet
- Rusty water, popping noises, or lukewarm showers
- Gurgling across multiple fixtures (main-line warning sign)
- Frozen or burst piping; active leaks at valve stops
Service Areas & Projects We Love
We’re based in Wichita and work across the metro—Maize, Goddard, Andover, Derby, Haysville, Park City, Bel Aire. Typical fall day: hose-bib shutoff & drain, water-heater flush with anode inspection, and a sump-pump + battery backup ahead of the first freeze.
Ready for a Quick Fall Tune-Up?
We’ll button things up before winter hits. (316) 768-0511 • Send a Message
Safety first: If you smell gas, evacuate and call your utility or 911—then call us once the scene is cleared.
