Fall is the season for vibrant scenery, pumpkin pies… and plumbing preparations. It might not have the best ring to it, but taking a few simple steps to protect your pipes now can save you tons of time and money once spring rolls around.

The expert team at The Plumbing Source has been serving Greater Cleveland, OH, since 1985. This adds up to decade's worth of experience dealing with the issues that arise over the winter when water heaters, pipes, and HVAC systems have not been properly set for freezing temperatures. Unless you want to find your home on the receiving end of some emergency plumbing services, the plumbers at The Plumbing Source advise readying your home using the following tips:

• Insulate Your Pipes: Frozen pipes can lead to leaks and cracks as the ice in the system expands and contracts, which can lead to burst pipes and catastrophic leaks. The pipes nearest the outside walls are most likely to freeze, so pay special attention to these. If you are prepping a vacation home, make sure the thermostat is set to turn on when temperatures get dangerously low.
• Located Water Main Valve: As an added precaution, learn where your main water valve is located, and how to shut it off. If a pipe should burst, being able to shut off the water before the plumber arrives can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Share this information with family members and even neighbors if you are away often.
• Flush Out Your Water Heater: Water heaters work hardest during the winter. A thorough cleaning can improve heating efficiency and lengthen the life span of the appliance. Ask a plumber to come help if you are unsure of how to best drain your heater or need a thorough overhaul.
• Drain Hoses and Insulate Exterior Faucets: Outside your home, unhook all of your hoses and thoroughly drain them before storing away for the season. Cover exterior faucets with Styrofoam covers that you can buy at any hardware store.
• Clear Out Your Gutters: Fall leaves lead to clogs, which create drainage problems that can seep into basements and attics.

For help with any of the above tasks, or any plumbing issue large or small, call The Plumbing Source to put your pipes back on the right track at (877) 768-7239. For more information, visit their website.