With the cooler months on the horizon, is your home in order? One has to wonder what kind of plumbing issues will make an appearance in the San Fernando Valley now that fall is here. We would put you at ease with some straightforward measures to stave off a costly emergency this season.

We are Turbo Plumbing & Rooter, a family-run business out of Granada Hills. Our job is to see that homeowners from here to Northern Los Angeles have plumbing that can stand up to any weather. From Santa Clarita and West Hills to Canoga Park, Northridge, Burbank, Encino, North Hollywood and Van Nuys, we are there to serve the community. Should you require our services, pick up the phone at (213) 423-4167.

True, it is not as harsh a fall in Southern California as in much of the country, but your plumbing is not exempt. The combination of cooler evenings, the rain and the demands of the holiday season to come are hard on pipes, drains and water heaters. Do some prep work and you will be spared the trouble later.

Why you should pay attention to your plumbing in the fall

Nights in the Valley get cold enough to do a number on exposed pipes, particularly those in a garage or crawl space or running along an outside wall. Then the rainy season is upon you and outdoor gutters and drains left to their own devices over the summer must start working again. Toss in the extra hot showers and cooking and guests as the holidays draw near and your system is put to its heaviest test of the year.

Then again, a modicum of care will prevent most of the problems you might expect. Here is what we recommend looking at before the season gets underway.

Outdoor drainage and plumbing

The first thing to feel the change in weather is the plumbing outside. Before the rains set in:

• Make sure the gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and other debris for proper water flow from your foundation
• See if any blockages in yard grates or outdoor drains are going to result in pooling
• Put away your garden hoses and drain them; you do not want water sitting in the spigot
• A slow drip or leak at an exterior faucet should be noted
• On a cold night it is wise to insulate or cover hose bibs and any exposed pipe

If you let small clogs and leaks go they can become a flooding or foundation problem when it really pours. Better to put a stop to it and keep the water where it is supposed to be.

For the sake of your pipes

When the temperature goes down at night unheated spaces leave pipes open to the elements. Put in some foam pipe sleeves in the garage or under the sink; they are cheap, easy to put on and give you protection on the coldest nights.

But low water pressure, dampness about the pipes or discolored water are indications of a weak spot or a leak. In that case do not put it off and have a professional take a look.

A word on the water heater ahead of the holidays

There is no time of year your water heater has to work harder than in the fall and winter. You want a warm shower when it is cold and plenty of hot water for the cooking and cleaning the holidays entail. Have a look at the unit:

• Any rust or moisture at the base of the tank?
• Popping or rumbling is a sign of sediment
• Is the temperature at a comfortable and safe setting?
• Hot water does not seem to last as long as it did?

You do not want an old water heater to conk out at the worst of times, say when you have a house full of people.

In the kitchen

More cooking for the holidays puts more of a strain on the sink and drains. Grease and oil will harden and make a clog you cannot budge so do not put it down the drain. With the garbage disposal use cold water and stay away from fibrous fare like potato peels or onion skins.

It is a shame to have a backup in the middle of a get together because you put off a slow draining issue in the fall. If it is already sluggish, deal with it before company comes.

Leave it to the pros

A licensed plumber is the way to go for anything from a leak to water heater woes or a clog that will not go away. At Turbo Plumbing & Rooter we are fully insured and hold a current license with the California Contractors State Licensing Board. For an emergency we are on hand 24/7 to provide same-day service at an affordable price and with all the courtesy one expects.

Make getting your home ready for fall a simple matter. Let the team at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter ensure your plumbing runs without a hitch all season. Give us a ring at (213) 423-4167.