Haha, fridge notes are a lifesaver around here too...though sometimes my handwriting makes them more cryptic than helpful. Totally agree on the garbage disposal—learned the hard way after a summer BBQ fiasco involving watermelon rinds (don't ask). Also, for winter, I'd add checking the sump pump occasionally. Had mine freeze up once, and let's just say basement ice skating isn't as fun as it sounds.
Good call on the sump pump. Had a similar issue a couple winters back where mine didn't exactly freeze—but the discharge line did. Thought I'd gotten lucky until water started backing up into the basement...not fun. Now I always double-check that the discharge pipe slopes properly and stays clear of snow and ice build-up. It's funny how plumbing teaches you life lessons the hard way, right?
Yeah, plumbing definitely has a way of giving us those "aha" moments, usually after something's already gone sideways. I hear you on the discharge line—seen that happen quite a few times. Another thing I've noticed is that people often overlook their outdoor faucets until spring rolls around. Had a client last year who didn't disconnect their garden hose before winter hit, and the pipe froze and cracked inside the wall. Didn't even notice until the first warm day when they turned it back on...instant indoor waterfall.
It's always these little things, right? I've started recommending frost-proof hose bibs to folks who haven't switched yet—they're not foolproof, obviously, but at least they give you a fighting chance if you forget to shut off the water from inside. Curious if anyone's had similar experiences with those, good or bad.
"Had a client last year who didn't disconnect their garden hose before winter hit, and the pipe froze and cracked inside the wall."
Yikes, been there myself—lesson learned the hard way. Frost-proof faucets are helpful, but I've found they're only as good as the installation. Anyone else noticed issues if they're not angled properly for drainage?
Had a similar issue a couple winters back—thought I was being clever installing a frost-proof faucet myself. Turns out, I didn't angle it downward enough, so water pooled inside instead of draining out. Come spring, I had a lovely indoor waterfall behind my drywall...fun times. Now I always double-check the slope and give it a quick test run before winter hits. Live and learn, right?
