October Plumbing Checklist for Kansas City Homes: Prepare for Fall & Avoid Winter Headaches

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp in Kansas City, October marks the perfect time to get your home’s plumbing in order before the cold weather sets in. At Pierpoint Plumbing, we help homeowners across the metro area avoid costly emergencies by offering fall plumbing maintenance and winterization services. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or just settling into a new house, here’s what you should focus on this October.

1. Schedule a Water Heater Inspection Before Temperatures Drop

October is the unofficial kickoff to hot water season. As Kansas City transitions to cooler weather, your water heater works overtime to deliver consistently warm showers and hot water for laundry and dishes.

If your unit is over 8 years old, showing signs of rust, making strange noises, or just isn’t keeping up, it’s time for an inspection. We offer:

• Water heater flushes
• Anode rod replacements
• Full replacements, including tankless upgrades

Don’t get caught with cold water in the middle of November—take care of it now.

2. Test and Inspect Your Sump Pump

Kansas City weather is unpredictable—autumn rainstorms can roll in quickly and cause basement flooding if your sump pump isn’t working properly.

Here’s a quick at-home check:

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
• Listen for the pump to activate
• Make sure it empties the pit and shuts off

If it doesn’t respond, cycles too often, or sounds unusual, call Pierpoint Plumbing for a sump pump inspection or replacement. We also install battery backups, which are essential during fall storms and winter ice events that can knock out power.

3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Faucets

One of the most common causes of frozen pipes in Kansas City is leaving garden hoses connected after the first frost. This traps water in the hose bib and pipe, which can freeze and burst inside your walls.

Before Halloween rolls around:

• Disconnect and drain all hoses
• Shut off the indoor valve to your exterior spigot (if your home has one)
• Consider installing a frost-proof faucet

These small steps now can prevent massive water damage later.

4. Check for Hidden Leaks

As you turn your heating system on, indoor humidity drops—and that’s when slow leaks become more noticeable. Listen for running toilets, dripping faucets, or water stains near appliances.

Our leak detection and repair services in Kansas City help identify:

• Slab leaks
• Pipe corrosion
• Failing shut-off valves

Catching these problems early can save thousands on repairs down the line.

5. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

While not strictly plumbing, clogged gutters can lead to basement flooding and foundation damage. As leaves fall throughout October, make sure your downspouts are clear and directing water away from your home.

We often receive calls for flooded basements caused by clogged or broken downspouts—and they’re 100% preventable with a little early maintenance.

October is the Ideal Time for a Whole-Home Plumbing Checkup

If you’re unsure about the state of your plumbing heading into winter, we offer comprehensive seasonal plumbing inspections. We’ll review:

• Water heater performance
• Sump pump and backup systems
• Pipe insulation
• Drainage and leak points
• Hose bib shutoffs

It’s an easy way to gain peace of mind and avoid emergency calls during the holidays.

Call Pierpoint Plumbing Before Cold Weather Hits

At Pierpoint Plumbing, we serve homeowners throughout the Kansas City metro with expert, honest, and timely plumbing services. Our team is ready to help you winterize your home, upgrade old fixtures, and address potential issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Call us today at 816-208-9437 or book your appointment online to prepare your home’s plumbing for the changing season. Let’s get your home fall-ready and winter-proof, together.