As the weather turns colder and the holidays approach, many NYC homeowners are busy prepping their homes for winter. But fall is also the season when hidden plumbing issues begin to surface. At Boris Mechanical, we receive a surge of service calls every November related to problems that could have been avoided with routine maintenance.
Here are the top four fall plumbing problems in NYC—and what you can do to prevent them:
1. Clogged Drains from Seasonal Debris
Falling leaves, grease from fall cooking, and hair buildup all contribute to clogged sinks, tubs, and shower drains.
Prevention Tips:
- Install drain screens to catch debris
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain
- Schedule a professional drain cleaning before the holidays
2. Frozen Outdoor Hose Bibs
Leaving hoses attached as the weather drops below freezing can cause ice buildup, damaging outdoor faucets and even indoor pipes.
Prevention Tips:
- Disconnect garden hoses in early November
- Shut off the outdoor water valve if accessible
- Consider installing frost-proof hose bibs
3. Water Heater Failures
As your water heater works harder in fall and winter, any existing issues (like sediment buildup or aging components) are more likely to cause a breakdown.
Prevention Tips:
- Flush the tank to remove sediment
- Schedule a pre-winter water heater inspection
- Replace aging heaters before failure
4. Gas Line Issues Before Holiday Cooking
Fall is prime time for kitchen appliance upgrades. Installing a new gas stove? NYC code requires a licensed plumber to inspect and install all gas lines.
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule gas line inspections with certified professionals
- Don’t attempt DIY gas appliance installation
- Make sure your appliances are up to NYC compliance standards
Don’t Let Fall Become Plumbing Panic Season
With decades of experience serving NYC homes and apartments, Boris Mechanical knows how to protect your plumbing before winter arrives. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving guests or winterizing your brownstone, we’re here to help.
Need expert help this fall?
Call Boris Mechanical for drain cleaning, gas line inspections, or seasonal plumbing maintenance before cold weather hits.
