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When autumn arrives in Texas, falling leaves create a colorful carpet, but they can also lead to drainage and water management issues around your home. Clogged gutters, blocked outdoor drains, and debris in downspouts can cause water backups that put stress on foundations, basements, and sump pumps. A little autumn prep now saves you from costly repairs later.
At On Time Experts in Garland, TX, we guide you through easy checks and steps to protect your plumbing as leaves blanket your yard. This guide will cover gutter cleaning, drain maintenance, outdoor system checks, and more, so you stay ahead of fall-season problems.
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
Leaves gather quickly in gutters, turning a once-clear channel into a dam of soggy debris. When rain hits that tangled mass, water overflows the gutter edge rather than draining safely away. That overflow can soak fascia boards, leak into exterior walls, and even seep down toward your foundation. Sweep out leaves at least once a month, and more often if you have large oaks or other deciduous trees nearby.
After clearing, flush each section with your garden hose to verify the downspouts flow freely. If water pools around your foundation, extend downspouts at least four feet away from the house. These simple steps keep excess rainwater away from basements and foundation walls.
Protect Outdoor Drains
Your yard or garage may have floor drains designed to carry away surface water. Fallen leaves can cover those grates, letting water flood the surface instead of draining. Walk your exterior regularly and lift each grate to clear out leaves, pine needles, and dirt. Keeping those drains clear helps prevent puddling, slip hazards, and water damage.
Inspect Vent Pipes on Your Roof
Roof plumbing vents can collect leaves around the flashing at their base, especially after windy storms. While the vents themselves rarely clog, piles of debris around the boot or flashing can trap moisture and cause leaks into your attic. Use a ladder to safely sweep away leaves, and replace any cracked rubber boots or reseal flashing edges as needed.
Flush Yard Sprinkler Lines Before Winter
If your irrigation system runs through underground lines, it’s best to prepare them before freezing weather. Shut off the water supply, open each valve to drain excess water, and use compressed air if needed to fully clear the pipes. This removes moisture and sediment that can cause cracks or blockages over winter, keeping your system ready for spring.
Maintain Your Sump Pump and Basin
A basement sump pump collects seepage from foundation drain tiles and discharges water outside. In fall, runoff can carry small leaves or twigs into the drain system, clogging the sump pump basin. Inspect the cover and grate for debris buildup and scoop out anything floating inside. Test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the basin until it activates.
Verify that the discharge line is clear and moves water well away from your foundation. A working sump pump is your best defense against heavy fall rains.
Prevent Clogs in Garage or Basement Floor Drains
Garages and workshops often have floor drains to capture runoff. During autumn, leaves stuck to shoes or tires can gather around those drains. Sweep the floor regularly, lift the grate to clear trapped debris, and run a flush of water to move out any sediment. This prevents backups and protects stored items from water damage.
Check Exterior Faucets Before Freezes
Fall is a good time to inspect outdoor spigots. Drips or leaks often come from worn washers or packing nuts and can worsen when freezing temperatures arrive. Shut off the interior valve, drain outdoor lines, and repair or replace any parts that aren’t sealing tightly. This prevents leaks and reduces the risk of frozen outdoor pipes.
Watch for Wet Spots in the Yard
If you notice new soggy spots near downspouts or yard drains, it may mean an underground pipe is clogged with sediment or partially collapsed. Call a professional plumber to camera-inspect the line before you dig up landscaping. Early action restores proper yard drainage and prevents bigger repairs later.
Schedule Fall Plumbing Maintenance
Once you’ve handled these fall chores, plan a maintenance visit from a licensed plumber. They’ll check your main sewer line for root intrusion, service your water heater before winter’s heavy use, and test interior shutoff valves so you can stop any unexpected leak quickly. A seasonal tune-up catches small problems before they turn into big repairs.
Stay Ahead of Fall Season Plumbing Problems
Leaves will keep falling, but your plumbing doesn’t have to suffer. At On Time Experts, we specialize in drain cleaning, leak detection, and outdoor plumbing service to keep your system clear of seasonal debris and running smoothly.
Call On Time Experts today to book your fall plumbing checkup and rest easy all season long.
