7 Plumbing Tasks To Tackle Before The First Frost

by J&J on September 12, 2025

In Northeast Ohio, the weather can turn on a dime. One day you're enjoying cider on the porch, and the next, you're waking up to frozen gutters and icy driveways. The same unpredictability that makes fall here so charming also makes it dangerous for your plumbing - unless you prepare ahead.

At J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we help homeowners from Akron to Hudson get ahead of winter by tackling essential fall plumbing maintenance before the first frost hits.

7 Essential Pre-Season Checklist Items

Here are 7 tasks every homeowner should check off this September.

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses connected to your outdoor spigots can cause trapped water to freeze, expand, and damage both the hose and the plumbing behind the wall. In Northeast Ohio, this can happen overnight - often before Halloween.

Jay's Pro Tip: After removing your hoses for the season, turn off the interior shut-off valve (if you have one), then open the outside faucet to drain any leftover water.

2. Shut Off and Insulate Outdoor Spigots

If your home has frost-free hose bibs, you're in better shape - but not invincible. For older homes in Akron or Cuyahoga Falls, outdoor spigots may need foam insulation covers, and shut-off valves should be closed for the season.

3. Schedule a Water Heater Flush

Hard water is common throughout Summit and Portage Counties. Sediment buildup in your tank-style water heater lowers efficiency and can lead to breakdowns when you need hot water most. Fall is the perfect time to flush your tank and give your heater a clean slate for winter.

4. Test and Inspect Your Sump Pump

Rainy fall days and melting snow in early winter can push your sump pump to the brink. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure it turns on and drains correctly. If it hesitates - or doesn't run at all - call J&J for a quick inspection.

5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Basement, crawlspace, garage, and under-sink pipes are all vulnerable to freezing in Northeast Ohio's bitter cold. Foam pipe insulation is an affordable way to reduce risk and save energy.

Jay's Pro Tip: Ask us about heat tape and insulation for pipes in especially cold zones of your home.

6. Check for Leaks and Drips

Small drips now can become frozen, burst pipes later. Walk through your home and check faucets, toilets, and visible supply lines for signs of leaks. If you're not sure what to look for, schedule a plumbing inspection with our licensed pros.

7. Clean Gutters and Check Drainage

While not directly plumbing, clogged gutters can lead to foundation issues, frozen discharge lines, and water backup near basement plumbing systems. Ensure downspouts drain away from your home, and consider extending them if needed.

Ready to Winter-Proof Your Plumbing?

J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been keeping Northeast Ohio homes safe since 1989. Whether you're in Stow, Kent, or Twinsburg, our fall plumbing inspections and maintenance services are tailored to handle the quirks of our unpredictable climate.