Check for Summer Damage and Soil Shifts

Bakersfield summers are no joke—with extreme heat that can silently stress your plumbing system, especially underground water lines. While you may not notice the damage right away, heat-driven soil expansion and contraction can lead to ground shifting. This movement can put pressure on buried pipes, causing them to crack, misalign, or even rupture.

This is especially true for older pipes, shallow lines, or plumbing systems installed in areas with dense clay or sandy soil, both of which are common in Bakersfield.

Why It Happens:

• Thermal Expansion: Prolonged heat causes the soil to expand and shift, straining water lines and joints.

• Soil Contraction: As the ground dries out and cools down, it contracts, creating gaps that may cause pipes to sag or move.

• Tree Root Intrusion: In drought-like conditions, tree roots may travel farther in search of water, sometimes infiltrating small cracks or weakened pipe areas.

What to Do This Fall:

Take the following steps now to catch any signs of heat-related stress before they escalate:

1. Walk Your Property

• Look for soggy spots in your yard, especially in areas where no sprinklers or irrigation are present.

• Check for unusually green or lush patches of grass that may be feeding off a slow underground leak.

• Note areas with sunken soil or small sinkholes, which could indicate a rupture or erosion beneath the surface.

2. Inspect Exposed Pipes and Fixtures

• Look at exterior plumbing like hose bibs, irrigation lines, and visible pipe connections for:

  • Surface cracks

  • Rust or mineral buildup

  • Warping or misalignment

• Examine crawl spaces, basements, or utility areas for damp spots, mildew, or corrosion on pipes.

3. Monitor Your Water Usage and Pressure

• Keep an eye on your water bill. A sudden spike may signal a hidden leak.

• Test water pressure in multiple areas of your home. Low or inconsistent pressure can be a symptom of pipe damage or blockage.

Protect Outdoor Plumbing from Cold Snaps

While Bakersfield, CA doesn’t experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of the country, sudden cold snaps do occur—especially during late fall and early winter. Even a brief overnight freeze can cause serious damage to exposed plumbing fixtures, particularly if they’re not properly winterized.

Outdoor plumbing is often the first area to suffer from temperature drops, as it lacks the insulation and protection that indoor pipes benefit from. Cracks, leaks, and burst spigots are all common consequences of unprotected outdoor plumbing during cold weather.

Why It Matters:

• Frozen water expands, putting pressure on pipes and causing them to split or burst.

• Hoses left connected to outdoor faucets can trap water, leading to damage in both the hose and the spigot.

• Leaks or drips, even minor ones, can turn into bigger issues when temperatures drop below freezing.

Fall Outdoor Plumbing To-Do List:

Tackle these steps now to prevent headaches later:

1. Disconnect and Drain All Garden Hoses

• Detach hoses from all outdoor faucets—even if you think you’ll use them again soon.

• Drain any remaining water from inside the hose to prevent internal freezing and cracking.

• Store hoses indoors (e.g., garage or shed) to keep them from becoming brittle or warped from the cold.

2. Inspect Hose Bibs and Spigots

• Turn on each spigot and check for:

  • Leaking around the handle or base

  • Dripping after shut-off

  • Rust or corrosion

• Tighten connections or replace washers/gaskets if needed.

• Repair any visible cracks immediately before cold temperatures make them worse.

3. Install Faucet Covers or Insulation

• Purchase insulated faucet covers from your local hardware store—they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

• For added protection, wrap pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape.

• If your home has older exterior plumbing, consider upgrading to frost-free hose bibs for better winter protection.

4. Shut Off and Drain Unused Outdoor Lines

• If your irrigation system or outdoor water lines won’t be in use until spring:

  • Turn off the water supply to those lines (if your home has dedicated shut-off valves).

  • Drain the lines completely to prevent standing water from freezing and damaging pipes.

Inspecnt ad Flush Your Water Heater

As the temperatures begin to drop in Bakersfield, your household’s demand for warm water rises—whether it’s for longer showers, warm laundry cycles, or cleaning up after fall festivities. During this seasonal shift, your water heater takes on extra workload and should be serviced in the fall to ensure it’s running efficiently when you need it most.

Neglecting water heater maintenance can result in higher energy bills, slower heating times, or even unexpected breakdowns in the middle of winter.

Why Fall is the Best Time for Water Heater Maintenance:

• Helps the unit perform efficiently before winter demand peaks

• Prevents sediment buildup that can clog and corrode the tank

• Extends the lifespan of the water heater

• Reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs

Water Heater Maintenance Checklist:

Complete the following steps this fall to ensure your water heater is in peak condition:

1. Visually Inspect the Water Heater

• Check around the base of the tank for signs of rust, corrosion, or moisture—these may indicate leaks or internal damage.

• Examine the valves and connections for signs of mineral buildup, drips, or loose fittings.

• Inspect the area around the pressure relief valve—if there’s any leaking or discharge, it needs immediate attention.

2. Flush the Tank to Remove Sediment

• Over time, minerals and debris settle at the bottom of the tank, which can:

  • Decrease heating efficiency

  • Increase energy use

  • Lead to overheating and strange noises (like popping or rumbling)

3. Check the Thermostat Temperature Setting

• Ensure the temperature is set to 120°F—this is typically ideal for:

  • Preventing scalding accidents

  • Conserving energy

  • Extending appliance life

Visit The Plumbing Doc today to schedule your seasonal inspection or maintenance service.
📍 Serving Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding areas.Let’s make sure your home is ready for everything autumn has to offer—minus the plumbing problems.

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