With the cooler months on the way, is your home in order? One has to wonder what kind of plumbing issues will make themselves known with the change of season on the coast. Then there are the minor maintenance measures that can be put in place now to avert a major headache down the road.

We think those are questions worth posing. Andy’s Plumbing (you may know us as Andy Frattin Plumbing) has been at the service of homeowners in Volusia and Flagler Counties for some time, making sure their plumbing is up to snuff since 2000. Should you require our assistance this fall, you can reach us at 386-384-9040.

It is not the same kind of fall in Florida as one finds further north. While we are not prone to have pipes freeze with any regularity, the season does exact its toll on a home’s plumbing. A bit of forethought is all it takes. We put together the following advice for our neighbors in Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Palm Coast and the surrounding area.

A Word on Your Water Heater

The water heater has to put in more work when the incoming water cools off. Make an inspection of it this fall, before the holidays and the house is full of guests.

Some things to attend to:

• Put the tank through a flush to rid it of a year’s worth of sediment
• See that the temperature is set right, 120 degrees or so
• Examine the base for rust, moisture or a leak
• Any rumbling or popping is an indication of buildup within
• Verify the pressure relief valve is in working order

For a unit over ten years of age or one that is slow to recover, a replacement might be in order. We do our share of installing and servicing water heaters in the area and would be happy to have a look.

Drains and the Holiday Season

Cooking is about to get in gear and the kitchen drain will see some use. By the time Thanksgiving comes we are fielding plenty of calls for clogged drains.

Keep the flow going with these practices:

• Do not put grease or oil in the sink
• Rinsed plates should be scraped into the trash first
• When the garbage disposal is in use, run cold water
• Keep fibrous fare such as celery and potato peels out of the disposal
• A strainer will catch hair and food bits

Should you hear gurgling or find the drain is sluggish, do not put it off. It is a precursor to a blockage in the sewer line or drain and much less expensive to deal with early on.

Outdoor Fixtures and Faucets

There are cold snaps even in a mild climate like ours and irrigation lines and hose bibs will feel it.

When the coldest nights are due:

• Take down and empty the garden hoses
• Be on the lookout for a drip or two from an outdoor faucet
• Put a cover on spigots if frost is in the forecast
• See if any pipe left exposed has worn or cracked

Attend to these details and you can avoid an unwelcome leak or burst pipe.

Water Quality

One should also consider the quality of the water in the home during the fall. Over time hard water and minerals will show up in your skin and on your fixtures and appliances. Spotting on the dishes or a difference in taste are indications a treatment system could be called for. We will go over the options with you and what is suited to your household.

Putting in a Call

You can handle certain plumbing chores on a Saturday, but some are better in the hands of a licensed, insured technician. Our certified people at Andy’s Plumbing can do anything from the routine to a complete remodel of a kitchen or bath. The company was put together by Andy Frattin on the strength of his 30 years in construction.

We are a family operation, HomeAdvisor approved and were made a Neighborhood Fave in 2023. An industry warranty and our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee are behind all our work. We provide free estimates and financing via Wisetack, have a membership program and extend a discount to veterans and first responders.

Volusia and Flagler County homeowners can find us in the office between 7:30am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday.

Make some time to tend to your plumbing as the weather turns and the holidays approach. If trouble rears its head or you would like a professional opinion, pick up the phone and call Andy’s Plumbing at 386-384-9040. We will be there to help you get through the season with confidence.