Fall in American Fork, UT, brings crisp mornings, cooler nights and the first signs of winter. As the seasons change, your plumbing system faces new challenges. Cold snaps can strain pipes and worsen hidden leaks. Holiday gatherings increase the demands on drains, toilets and water heaters. Older homes may face additional concerns, such as outdated pipes, aging fixtures and settling foundations that create sagging drain lines.
Addressing plumbing issues now can prevent costly emergencies later. At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we help homeowners prepare their systems for the colder months ahead. Here are 10 essential plumbing services that keep your home safe, comfortable and worry-free this fall.
1. Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are more than an inconvenience. In fall, leaves and debris can clog outdoor drains and gutters, while grease and food scraps from seasonal cooking add pressure to indoor plumbing. Slow drains and foul odors indicate buildup. Clean drains ensure smooth water flow during the busy fall season, when kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are in heavy use.
A slow drain in one area may affect sinks, tubs, showers or laundry drains, creating frustration during family gatherings. Some homes may have bellied or sagging pipes that are collecting debris, making a professional cleaning even more important.
Professional drain cleaning removes blockages before they turn into backups. Our team at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing uses proven methods, such as drain augers, hydro-jetting and specialized cameras, to locate and eliminate even the most stubborn clogs. These tools provide lasting results and restore proper drainage throughout your home.
Signs you may need professional drain cleaning include:
- Water draining slowly in sinks, tubs or showers
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Frequent recurring clogs
- Unpleasant odors from sinks or floor drains
- Water backing up in multiple fixtures
2. Faucets
Leaky faucets waste water and increase utility costs. Dripping fixtures can indicate wear that may worsen as temperatures drop. Kitchen and bathroom faucets work especially hard during fall gatherings and need to function reliably. Repairing faulty faucets saves water and ensures steady flow.
We also offer faucet upgrades with modern technology, such as touchless operation or pull-down sprayers. These improvements make cooking, cleaning and entertaining easier during the fall season.
3. Toilets
Toilets experience increased use in fall. Common issues include constant running, weak flushing and leaks at the base. Ignoring these problems can result in higher water bills and unexpected failures. Timely repairs keep toilets reliable when guests arrive. At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we repair or replace toilets to ensure they perform well throughout the season.
Frequent repairs on toilets could include replacing worn flappers, adjusting or replacing fill valves, sealing leaks at the base and removing stubborn clogs. Our plumbers come prepared with the tools and parts to address these issues efficiently.
Signs you may need toilet repair include:
- Water running continuously after flushing
- Frequent clogs or overflows
- Water pooling around the base
- Weak or incomplete flushes
- Sudden increases in water bills
4. Water Heaters
Nothing disrupts daily life like a cold shower on a chilly morning. Water heaters face heavy demand in fall as families use more hot water for showers, laundry and dishes. Rust, uneven heating or puddles around the heater indicate problems.
We service both traditional tank models and modern tankless water heaters. Each type requires a specific approach, and our trained plumbers handle both. Regular maintenance ensures steady hot water and helps prevent emergencies. If a water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade to avoid sudden failure, water damage and inconvenience.
5. Garbage Disposals
Fall cooking increases the strain on garbage disposals. Peels, seeds and fibrous scraps can jam blades or clog pipes. Disposals that grind slowly or emit foul odors may already be struggling. A malfunctioning disposal can halt kitchen cleanup and cause messy backups. Professional care keeps the unit running smoothly. Our team repairs or replaces disposals so you can cook and entertain without interruptions.
6. Leak Repair
Even minor leaks can lead to major problems during cooler months. Water dripping under sinks or around appliances wastes water, promotes mold growth and can damage cabinets or flooring. Leaks often worsen as temperatures drop. Prompt repairs protect your home and prevent costly damage. Our team locates and fixes leaks efficiently, giving you peace of mind.
7. Leak Detection
Not all leaks are visible. Hidden leaks in walls, under floors or behind appliances can increase water bills, cause musty odors and damage structures over time. Professional leak detection uses advanced tools to identify issues before they escalate. Our team in American Fork provides thorough inspections to catch problems early.
Signs you may have a hidden leak include:
- Unexpected increases in water bills
- Musty or damp odors indoors
- Stains or discoloration on walls, ceilings or floors
- Sounds of running water when fixtures are off
- Warm spots or damp areas under flooring
- Reduced water pressure throughout the home
8. Water Softeners
Hard water is a common concern in Utah, causing mineral buildup in pipes and appliances and affecting skin and hair. Hard water is a year-round issue, but during fall and winter, increased demand for hot water can make scaling problems more noticeable.
A water softener protects plumbing, prolongs appliance life and improves water quality. Our team installs and maintains water softeners to keep your home running efficiently through the season and beyond.
9. Pipe Repairs
Cold snaps in late fall and early winter raise the risk of frozen pipes. Older or uninsulated pipes are most susceptible to cracking or bursting. Even small breaks can release large amounts of water and cause extensive damage. Repairing vulnerable sections before winter is essential.
We provide pipe-insulation services to prevent freezing. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls, require high-quality foam or other insulation materials. Proper insulation keeps water flowing and reduces the chance of costly winter damage.
10. Sewer
Sewer systems are among the most critical components of a home because a failure can quickly lead to backups and widespread damage. Clogs can form from tree roots, cracked pipes or defective joints. Older homes may have deteriorated sewer lines, increasing the risk of pipe collapse or blockages.
If we find a defective sewer line beyond repair, our team provides replacement solutions. We use traditional trenching when necessary, and we also offer trenchless construction methods that minimize disruption to your landscaping and property. Both approaches ensure a durable, long-lasting sewer system. Professional inspection and cleaning ensure your sewer system functions properly.
Signs that a sewer problem may be developing include:
- Multiple drains in the home back up simultaneously
- Persistent or foul odors around drains or outside
- Gurgling sounds in toilets or sinks
- Soggy or unusually wet areas in your yard
- Slow-draining water throughout the house
At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we are proud of our community involvement and local partnerships. Our team provides trusted plumbing services for homeowners in American Fork and surrounding areas. This includes drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater service, faucet and toilet repairs along with pipe and sewer solutions. We prepare your plumbing system for seasonal changes and equip it to handle any challenge. Call to schedule your appointment today.
