Late Summer Plumbing & Water Heater Tips for Your Boise Home

As the long days of summer begin to shorten and the crisp air of late-August and September sets in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. For us in the Boise area, a little bit of proactive planning now can save you a lot of headache and expense once winter arrives.

While Drake Mechanical is always ready to handle any plumbing emergency, a little foresight can prevent a crisis before it even starts. As your neighbors and trusted local plumbers, we’ve put together a few simple steps to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for the upcoming winter season.

Proactive Steps to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter

Winterizing your plumbing is all about protecting it from the freezing temperatures that can cause pipes to crack and burst. The time to act is now, while the weather is still mild, and before the first cold snap hits. Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the freeze:

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: This is the most common and easiest preventative measure. Remove all garden hoses from their spigots and drain them completely. Leaving them attached can cause water to back up and freeze inside the spigot and supply pipe, leading to a rupture.

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Take a look at your basement, crawl spaces, and any other unheated areas for exposed pipes. Pipes near exterior walls are particularly vulnerable. You can easily find pipe insulation at any home improvement store. It’s a small investment that offers a huge return in protection.

Water Heater Service: The Key to Winter Comfort

After a summer of heavy use, now is a great time to schedule a water heater repair or service. Our technicians can perform a safety inspection, flush out sediment, and check for any potential issues. A well-maintained water heater runs more efficiently and is less likely to fail when you need it most. If your old unit is on its last leg, our team can also provide a quick and efficient water heater installation to ensure you have a reliable supply of hot water all winter.

Beyond Pipes: Why Drain Cleaning Matters

Fall is also the perfect time for drain cleaning. Leaves and other debris can clog outdoor drains, and internal buildup from summer can lead to slow drains and backups. A professional drain cleaning service ensures your plumbing system is free-flowing and ready to handle the increased indoor water usage that comes with the colder months.

Thinking Beyond the Home: Commercial Plumbing Contracts

For our commercial clients across the Treasure Valley, proactive maintenance is even more critical. A plumbing emergency in a business can disrupt operations, alienate customers, and lead to significant financial loss. From restaurants and retail spaces to large-scale industrial sites, your plumbing system needs to be reliable.

At Drake Mechanical, we specialize in providing tailored service contracts for businesses. This goes beyond simple winterization; it includes regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and priority service. A dedicated commercial plumbing contract ensures your pipes, boilers, chillers, and other mechanical systems are always in peak condition, saving you from future disruptions.

The Drake Mechanical Difference

Since 1909, our family has been helping the people of the Treasure Valley with their plumbing needs. We pride ourselves on being reliable, honest, and always there for you, with a live person answering the phone 24/7.

Whether it’s a simple check-up or a complex commercial project, our team of certified journeymen and apprentices is ready to help.

Don’t let winter take a toll on your plumbing. Call Drake Mechanical today at (208) 362-6200 to schedule your fall plumbing check-up and ensure your home or business is protected. For our commercial clients, ask about setting up a service contract to keep your business running smoothly all season long!