Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tips for NH Homeowners

Fall in New Hampshire is beautiful — but it's also a warning. Once the leaves drop, freezing temperatures aren't far behind. And when pipes freeze, burst, or fail, the damage can be expensive and disruptive.

The good news? A little attention now can save you a lot of headaches come January. Here are the most important plumbing maintenance checks to do this fall before the cold sets in.

1. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor hose bibs are one of the most common sources of winter plumbing damage. Water left in the line can freeze, expand, and crack the pipe — sometimes inside your wall where you won't notice it until spring.

What to do:

• Disconnect and store garden hoses
• Locate the indoor shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet (usually in the basement or crawl space)
• Turn off the valve and open the outdoor faucet to let any remaining water drain out
• Leave the outdoor faucet slightly open until it stops dripping

If your home has frost-free hose bibs, they're more forgiving — but disconnecting hoses is still essential. A connected hose traps water in the line and defeats the frost-free design.

2. Insulate Pipes in Unheated Spaces

Pipes in unheated areas — garages, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and unfinished basements — are vulnerable once temperatures drop below freezing. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install yourself.

Pay special attention to:

• Pipes along exterior walls
• Any pipe in a space that isn't actively heated
• The area where your main water line enters the house

If you're not sure which pipes are at risk, give us a call — we can take a look and let you know what needs attention.

3. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder in winter. Cold groundwater coming into the tank requires more energy to heat, and an aging or inefficient unit may struggle to keep up.

Fall is a good time to:

• Check the temperature setting (120°F is the recommended safe level)
• Flush sediment from the tank — sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the unit
• Inspect the pressure relief valve to make sure it's functioning
• Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or moisture around the base

A water heater that's 10 years or older and showing any of these signs is worth evaluating before winter. Replacing it on your schedule is far less stressful than an emergency replacement in February.

4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

If your basement has a sump pump, fall is the time to test it — not during a spring thaw when you actually need it.

Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch to make sure the pump activates and drains properly. Check that the discharge line is clear and draining well away from the foundation.

A failed sump pump during a winter thaw or heavy rain can mean a flooded basement. A quick test now takes five minutes and could save thousands.

5. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is

If a pipe bursts this winter, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water supply to your home. Do you know where the main shutoff valve is?

Take a few minutes now to locate it and make sure it turns freely. Valves that haven't been operated in years can seize up. If yours is stiff or hard to turn, have it serviced before you need it in an emergency.

6. Check for Slow Drains and Minor Leaks

Fall is a good time to address small plumbing issues before they become bigger ones. A slow drain, a dripping faucet, or a running toilet might seem minor — but they can worsen over winter and lead to more significant problems.

Walk through your home and check:

• Under sinks for any signs of moisture or slow drips
• Toilet bases for any soft flooring or discolouration
• All faucets for drips or reduced water pressure
• Drains in sinks, tubs, and showers for slow drainage

Catching these early is almost always cheaper than dealing with them after they've had months to develop.

7. Schedule a Heating System Inspection

While you're thinking about fall maintenance, don't overlook your heating system. A boiler or furnace that hasn't been serviced in a year or more should be inspected before you're relying on it every day.

We service heating systems throughout the Warner area and can check your boiler, baseboard heat, or forced hot air system to make sure it's ready for the season.

Ready for Winter?

If any of these checks turn up something that needs attention — or if you'd just like a professional set of eyes on your plumbing before winter — Brady Plumbing and Heating is here to help. We serve Warner, New London, Henniker, Hopkinton, and communities throughout Merrimack and Sullivan counties.

Call us at (603) 738-9207 or use the contact form on our site to schedule a visit. We're available Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm.