Fall in Memphis has a way of sneaking up on us. One week you're still running the AC, and the next you're digging out a jacket and wondering if your furnace even turns on anymore. Before that first cold snap hits, a little prep now can save you a lot of headache (and a much bigger repair bill) later. Here are seven simple things every homeowner in Memphis and the surrounding area should check off this fall.
Don't want to wait for a breakdown to find out something's wrong? Call (901) 290-1110 or fill out our online contact form to get on the schedule before the fall rush hits.
1. Disconnect and Drain Your Garden Hoses
It's easy to forget a hose is still attached once the weather cools off. But if water freezes inside the hose or the spigot, it can crack the pipe behind your wall.
- Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets
- Drain any remaining water before storing them for the season
- Cover exposed outdoor spigots if your home doesn't have frost-free faucets
This one takes about five minutes and can prevent a frozen-pipe repair that takes a lot longer.
2. Swap Out Your HVAC Filter
A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder than it needs to, which drives up energy bills and shortens the life of your equipment.
- Check your filter monthly during heavy-use seasons
- Replace it right away if it looks gray, dusty, or clogged
- Use the filter size and type recommended by your system's manufacturer
A fresh filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your fall and winter heating bills in check.
3. Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank over time, and that buildup makes the unit less efficient and more prone to problems down the road.
Flushing the tank once a year helps your water heater run more efficiently and can extend its lifespan. If yours is showing its age, rumbling, or struggling to keep up with hot water demand, it may be time for a full inspection rather than just a flush. Our team handles everything from routine maintenance to full water heater repair and replacement for homes across Memphis.
4. Test Your Sump Pump
Fall storms in Memphis can roll in fast, and a sump pump that isn't working is one of the most common causes of basement flooding.
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump kicks on and drains properly
- Listen for unusual noises during the test
- Make sure the discharge line outside is clear of leaves and debris
If your pump doesn't activate, don't wait until the next big rain to deal with it.
5. Schedule a Fall Heating Tune-Up
Your heating system has likely been sitting idle all summer. A quick tune-up now catches small issues, like worn parts or a dirty burner, before they turn into a no-heat emergency in the middle of a cold snap.
It's also just easier to get on the schedule in September than during the first freeze of the year, when everyone else has the same idea.
6. Check for Drafts and Air Leaks
Cooler mornings and evenings are a good reminder to check your home's seal against the outside air.
- Feel around windows and doors for drafts
- Check attic insulation for thin or missing spots
- Seal gaps around pipes or vents where they pass through exterior walls
Small fixes here mean your heating system doesn't have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable.
7. Plan Ahead for Bigger Repairs
Sometimes fall prep uncovers something bigger than a quick fix, like an aging water heater, a heating system on its last leg, or a sump pump that needs to be replaced rather than repaired.
If that happens, know that cost doesn't have to be the reason you put off a needed repair. Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air offers flexible financing, including monthly payment plans and lease-to-own options, so you can take care of your home now and manage the cost over time.
Get Ahead of Fall Before It Gets Ahead of You
A little bit of fall maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home comfortable, efficient, and problem-free through the colder months ahead. If you check something off this list and aren't sure what you're looking at, or you'd simply rather leave it to the professionals, Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help homeowners throughout Memphis and the surrounding areas get ready for the season. Call (901) 290-1110 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your fall plumbing and HVAC check-up today.
