We’re all aware of the plumbing in our house that provides us with drinking water and allows us to flush the toilet, but did you know that your roof has plumbing too? Winter is on its way, so now is a great time to brush up on everything involved with your roof plumbing. Today we will cover what roof plumbing is and the top 5 preparations you should make before temps drop. 

What Is Roof Plumbing Exactly? 

You likely think of PVC and metal pipes running through the walls and foundation of your home when you think of plumbing. While this can be an aspect of roof plumbing, most often it involves things you have heard of but just may not have considered are qualified as plumbing. 

This includes gutters, downpipes, vents, rainwater systems, and even the flashing system installed under your roof’s shingles. These components must function properly to ensure that water is properly redirected away from your home, and even made available for use, like with rainwater tanks. When everything is in working order, you can prevent leaks, water damage, mold, and even more serious issues surrounding your home's foundation. Now, let’s make sure everything stays that way this winter and avoid household disasters. 

1. Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts 

If you thought of any of the components involved when we mentioned roof plumbing, it was likely your gutters! Though they are technically only half of the pipes we imagine with plumbing, they function in a very similar way. Much like normal plumbing, it is also essential that your gutters and downspouts remain free of clogs to work properly. While they may have been working well enough through the summer, the constant freezing and melting through winter will only pack things down tighter. 

To clean your gutters, you can use any scooping tool you have lying around in your garage or buy a specialized Gutter Getter Scoop. Once you scooped out all the twigs, dirt, dust, and anything else trapped in your gutters, you’ll want to rinse them out with a hose. If you’re noticing any impedance in your downspouts, you can try scooping them out from the bottom, as well as shooting down into them from the top with the jet function on your hose. Always practice safety precautions when accessing your gutters and use ladders properly. 

2. Check for Leaks 

Harsh winter conditions will clearly expose any leaks in your roofing system, but at that point it's too late, so complete a thorough inspection. As a homeowner, you’d be wise to understand the basics of roofing. The biggest indicators you’ll want to be on the lookout for are stains on your ceiling or walls, and in your attic. If there is none clearly visible, you’ll want to take a closer look at any common areas prone to leakage. 

Anywhere different components of your roof meet are going to be where you see the most problems. Inspect around your chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. If you do discover anything, you’ll always want to call on the professionals for help. If you haven’t discovered anything yourself, that doesn’t always mean that everything is actually in working order though; it’s always best to take heed of tip #5. 

3. Trim Overhanging Branches 

We don’t always consider that some of the biggest threats to our home come from outside it, even from things like the beautiful trees across our properties. Winter can bring lots of heavy snow and strong winds, both of which will test the true strength of your trees. Instead of hoping that they will stand up to the test, it is best to trim back any branches that are hanging over your roof. 

Depending on the height of your trees and the tools you have available, this may be something you can handle yourself. If you’re unsure you can complete the job safely, you should call on the help of a professional. They not only have all the tools necessary to ensure the job is done safely but can often make quick work of an otherwise lengthy project. 

4. Prepare Your Rainwater Systems 

If you’re a homeowner reaping the benefits of collecting your own rainwater, you also should be preparing these systems for what's to come. Typically, these systems rely on your gutters and downspouts for collection, so if you have finished the first tip then you are all set there, you’ll just need to ensure your storage devices are prepared. 

This is a great time to clean them out and inspect the supporting plumbing for any leaks or cracks that could be made worse in winter. To prevent things like these from happening you’ll also want to keep an eye on temperatures throughout the season. If your tanks are stored above ground, you’ll want to drain them out before any harsh freezes. 

5. Schedule a Roof Inspection 

We can provide you with a lot of great tips here, but none will compare to what a professional can share in a thorough free roof inspection. A licensed and insured roofer will have all the training and tools needed to identify any issues that could be present in your gutters, rainwater systems, vents, or flashing. 

To find a great roofer in your area, check out local listing sites, and choose one with great reviews. If they have any negative reviews, you should always check for a response from the owner. Their words will often provide valuable insight into the problem and may rule it out as something that could ever affect your situation. 

The Roof Plumbing Professionals Have Your Back 

Winter can be harsh on your home, but if you’ve followed the five steps we have outlined here, it’ll feel like a summers breeze. Remember that preventative maintenance can save you from larger headaches in the future. Trusting professionals is always your best bet, so if you have any questions regarding your roof plumbing, you can always give us a call. 
Author’s Byline: Dmytro Zubenko is a seasoned content creator specializing in home improvement and roofing. His writing equips homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their renovation projects. As a result, Dmytro’s content is both engaging and educational, guiding countless readers through the complexities of home improvement.