SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As temperatures begin to drop across Springfield and Central Illinois, homeowners have plenty of items on their fall maintenance checklists. From cleaning gutters and putting away outdoor furniture to preparing heating systems for colder weather, fall is a good time to make sure your home is ready for the months ahead.

One area that can sometimes be overlooked is plumbing.

For homeowners who want to address plumbing concerns before they become larger problems, Rick Ray & Sons Plumbing, Inc. can help. The Springfield-based, family-owned company has been serving the community and surrounding areas for more than 50 years, providing plumbing, sewer, water heater and related services.

Prepare for colder temperatures

Fall is an ideal time to look for plumbing problems that could become more serious when winter arrives. Outdoor hose bibbs, water lines, drains and other components can be vulnerable as temperatures fluctuate.

Taking care of leaks, slow drains and other problems before the coldest weather arrives can help homeowners avoid an unexpected plumbing emergency later in the season.

Rick Ray & Sons offers a wide range of plumbing services, including outdoor hose bibb plumbing, water-line work, drain cleaning, sump pump service and general plumbing repairs.

Don’t forget the water heater

Fall also means households are using more hot water as the weather gets colder. A water heater that has been struggling throughout the year may become an even bigger concern when temperatures drop.

Rick Ray & Sons provides water heater repair, replacement and maintenance services for electric, gas and tankless systems. The company recommends regular maintenance and inspections to help keep water heaters operating properly.

For homeowners noticing inconsistent hot water, unusual leaks or a water heater that simply isn’t performing as it once did, fall can be a good time to have the system evaluated.

Take care of drains and sewer lines

Fall is also a good season to pay attention to drains and sewer lines. A slow drain or recurring backup may be a warning sign of a larger problem.

Rick Ray & Sons provides drain cleaning, sewer-line services, sewer camera inspections and water jetting. Those services can help identify and address problems before they turn into major disruptions inside the home.

Help is available when problems can’t wait

Of course, plumbing problems don’t always happen at a convenient time. A burst pipe, sewer backup or major leak can happen on a weekend, overnight or during a holiday.

Rick Ray & Sons offers 24-hour emergency plumbing and sewer service, seven days a week. That availability can provide homeowners with an important resource when a plumbing problem can’t wait until regular business hours.

They are located at 1514 W. Jefferson St. in Springfield and serve Springfield and numerous surrounding Central Illinois communities. Rick Ray & Sons is licensed, bonded and insured and has been serving the area for more than five decades.

As Springfield residents prepare their homes for fall and winter, adding plumbing to the seasonal maintenance checklist can be a smart step. Addressing small concerns early, checking water heaters and drains, and knowing who to call when an emergency occurs can help homeowners head into the colder months with greater peace of mind.

For more information or to schedule service, contact Rick Ray & Sons Plumbing at 217-525-0001.