Fall Plumbing Checklist: 7 Things Every Massachusetts Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
As the temperatures drop here in Massachusetts, it’s not just your heating system that needs attention. Your plumbing is just as vulnerable to cold weather—and if it’s not prepared, you could be facing frozen pipes, water leaks, or costly heating issues. The good news? With a little fall maintenance, you can protect your home before winter sets in.
Here’s a 7-point plumbing checklist every homeowner in Medford, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and beyond should tackle this season.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and garages are at high risk of freezing. Pipe insulation is a quick, affordable fix that can save you thousands in repairs.
👉 Learn more on our Pipe Repair page.
2. Check Your Boiler & Heating System
Before the first real cold snap, schedule a tune-up. A professional cleaning and check can keep your system running efficiently and prevent breakdowns in January when you need heat the most.
👉 Book service through our Heating page.
3. Drain Outdoor Faucets & Hoses
Leaving hoses connected or outdoor faucets charged with water can cause pipes to burst once temps dip below freezing. Disconnect hoses, shut off outdoor water lines, and drain them fully.
4. Inspect Your Water Heater
Is your water heater more than 8–12 years old? That’s usually the lifespan. Watch for signs like rusty water, rumbling noises, or leaks. Replacing before it fails means no cold-shower emergencies in December.
👉 See our Water Heater Installation page.
5. Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, test it before heavy fall rains and winter snow melt hit. A failed pump can quickly turn into basement flooding—and an expensive insurance claim.
6. Seal Cracks Around Your Basement
Cold air seeping in through cracks or gaps makes nearby pipes freeze faster. Sealing up your basement or crawl space also helps with energy savings all winter long.
7. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
If a pipe bursts, seconds matter. Make sure every adult in the house knows where the main water shut-off is and how to use it.
👉 For emergencies, we’re on call 24/7—see our Emergency Plumbing services.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Taking these steps in the fall can save you from frozen pipes, surprise leaks, or costly heating repairs in the middle of winter. If you’d rather have the experts handle it, schedule a fall plumbing inspection with In A Flash Heating & Plumbing today.
📞 Call 781-572-2575 | 📍 Medford + Greater Boston | Contact us
At In A Flash Heating & Plumbing, we proudly serve Medford, Somerville, Malden, Everett, Charlestown, and surrounding Massachusetts towns. Whether you need Water Heater Installation, Fixture Installation, or Emergency Plumbing, we’re just one call away. Contact us today for fast, reliable service!
