Having properly maintained plumbing is the best way that a homeowner can prevent any major plumbing breakdowns. This is especially important going into the extreme cold temperatures of the winter time.

The fall season is the perfect time of year to make sure that your plumbing system is in properly working order, so to avoid big problems in the winter time. Even what seems like a small problem that you can work around will turn into a major issue when the weather turns cold.

In addition to have proper maintenance, it is important that your plumbing system is thoroughly insulated against the cold. Now is the time to schedule a professional inspection of your plumbing system to identify any issues that need repair or attention.

Below are some of the most common plumbing problems that occur in homes. Each of them can escalate into a major plumbing breakdown if left unrepaired going into the winter season:

• If you notice pooling water around the bottom of your toilet, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. This situation could easily lead to serious water damage to your subfloor, and can be a sign of a leaking toilet.
• A toilet tank that constantly runs should be inspected quickly to identify the problem. There are several things that could cause this, each of varying severity. A professional plumber will be able to troubleshoot the problem and determine the cause.
• A dripping sink seems like a minor problem during the summer months but, once the weather turns cold and your plumbing system is under the pressure of the severe temperatures, a minor leak will quickly escalate.
• Unpleasant odors in the bathroom or kitchen can mean all kinds of things. Everything from a simple p-trap being void of water to a major septic or sewer system breakdown. A professional plumber will be able to easily determine the problem and fix it, before it turns into a major problem.

If your plumbing system has not been inspected this year, now is the time. Going into the winter months with any kind of vulnerability in your plumbing system is a risky business and can prove to be costly and messy.