As summer winds down and cooler temperatures start creeping into North Texas, September is the perfect time to tackle important plumbing maintenance tasks. At Total Plumbing, we know how quickly the seasons shift in Dallas–Fort Worth — and how that can impact your pipes, water heater, and outdoor systems.
Here are the top plumbing tips for September to help you avoid costly repairs and get your home ready for fall and winter.
Inspect for Hidden Leaks After a Busy Summer
Summer puts extra stress on your plumbing. From increased water usage (thanks to kids being home) to heavy use of sprinkler systems and garbage disposals, things can start to wear down.
Take time this September to:
Check under sinks and around appliances for signs of moisture
Look for warped cabinets, musty smells, or bubbling paint
Keep an eye on your water bill — an unexpected spike can indicate a slab leak or underground pipe problem
If you suspect a hidden leak, schedule professional leak detection before it becomes a major headache.
Flush and Service Your Water Heater
When temperatures begin to drop, your water heater becomes even more essential. If it’s full of sediment from months of hard water use, it can lose efficiency or even fail.
September is an ideal time to:
Drain and flush the tank to remove sediment buildup
Inspect for rust, leaks, or strange noises
Check the thermostat setting (120°F is ideal for safety and savings)
Schedule a professional inspection if your unit is over 8–10 years old
This simple maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and ensure you’re not left with a cold shower in October.
Clean and Prep Outdoor Plumbing
As we head into fall, it’s smart to start preparing outdoor plumbing for cooler weather — especially if an early freeze hits.
Here’s what to do:
Inspect hose bibs for leaks or drips
Disconnect garden hoses and drain them before storing
Schedule sprinkler system blowouts if needed
If you’ve had issues with frozen pipes in past years, consider adding freeze-proof covers to outdoor spigots
Early prep can help you avoid burst pipes later on.
Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection
With fall rains on the horizon, now’s a great time to make sure your sewer lines are clear. During the summer, root growth can invade older pipes, and blockages can build up without notice.
If you’ve had:
Frequent drain clogs
Gurgling toilets
Slow drainage
Foul odors around your yard or drains
…it’s time to schedule a camera inspection of your main sewer line. Catching issues early can prevent a messy (and expensive) backup.
Check for Early Signs of Slab Leaks
Dallas is notorious for foundation movement, especially in late summer and early fall when the soil dries out and contracts. This shift can crack pipes beneath your foundation and lead to slab leaks.
Watch for:
Warm spots on flooring
Damp carpet or warped baseboards
Low water pressure
Unexplained increases in your water bill
If you notice any of these red flags, Total Plumbing offers non-invasive slab leak detection and repair to protect your home and foundation.
Book a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection
Want peace of mind before fall and winter? A whole-home plumbing inspection in September is a smart investment. Our licensed technicians can:
Spot worn-out components before they fail
Test water pressure
Inspect toilets, faucets, drains, and water heaters
Identify energy- or water-saving opportunities
It’s a great way to catch small issues now — before they turn into big repairs during the colder months.
Wrap-Up: September Plumbing Sets the Tone for Fall
Taking care of your plumbing in September sets you up for a stress-free fall. With cooler weather approaching, now’s the time to handle inspections, repairs, and winterization.
At Total Plumbing, we’re proud to serve Dallas and surrounding communities with honest, expert plumbing services year-round. If you need help with leak detection, water heater service, sewer line inspections, or anything in between, we’re here for you.
