Seasonal care, and hiring a plumber

Plumbing rewards a little attention at the right time of year. Rockland's winters are the main event, but each season has its short list.

Fall

• Disconnect hoses, close inside valves to outdoor faucets and drain them
• Have the sprinkler system blown out
• Insulate pipes in the crawl space, garage and attic
• Book the boiler service, and test the carbon monoxide alarms
• Test the sump pump before the leaves block the gutters

Winter

• On the coldest nights, let vulnerable taps trickle and open cabinet doors
• Keep the heat on when you are away, at 55°F or above
• Know where the main shut-off is before a pipe freezes

Spring

• Open outdoor faucets slowly and check inside the wall for leaks
• Check the sump pump and its discharge as the ground thaws
• Look for winter damage: drips at the water heater, damp at the base of toilets

Summer

• Flush the water heater
• Replace washing machine hoses if they are five years old
• Check the water pressure while the sprinklers are running

Hiring well

When a job needs a professional, take five minutes to do it properly: search near your town, ask for the license number, check it with the county, get a written estimate, and ask what happens if the price changes. The Find a plumber page walks through it. The tips below cover winter preparation and the shut-off valve every homeowner should be able to find.

What this topic covers

• Before winter: hose faucets, crawl spaces and the sump pump
• A plumbing check before you buy a house
• Licenses, estimates and the questions worth asking

Find a licensed plumber