Key takeaways
- Leaves clog downspouts and yard drains
- Holiday cooking is hard on kitchen drains
- Disconnect hoses before the first freeze
- Book the fall visit before the holidays
Clear the leaves
Clean gutters and downspouts after most of the leaves have fallen, then again later if needed. Clear leaves from catch basin grates and yard drains. Rake leaves away from drains so rain does not carry them in.
Leaf-clogged lines are a common fall problem.
Get the kitchen ready
The holidays are the hardest weeks of the year for a kitchen drain: more cooking, more fat, more scraps. Schedule a kitchen drain cleaning before the first big meal, and remind everyone about the grease habit.
A clear drain makes Thanksgiving easier.
Prepare for cold
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main water shutoff is. Check floor drains and the sump pit one more time. Cold-weather problems are easier to prevent than to fix.
Our winter guide has more.
Plan for next year
The fall visit is a good time to review the year’s notes and adjust the schedule. Put next spring’s visit on the calendar while you are at it.
It keeps the plan alive.
Quick answers
When should I book the fall visit?
October to early November, before the holidays.
Do I need the downspout cleaned twice?
In heavy leaf areas, yes: once after most leaves fall and once later.
Ready to put this on a schedule?
Call (615) 952-0844 or send the form below, and we will suggest a plan for your property.
