But October is a good time to remember that Houston's weather can change quickly. Those pleasant mornings will eventually give way to colder temperatures, and homeowners who wait until a freeze warning to think about their outdoor plumbing may find themselves scrambling for supplies.

Houston gets a good stretch of rain, the yard stays soggy, and suddenly a drain inside the house starts running slowly. Probably the weather, right?

But if your family's water habits haven't changed much, a higher bill may be your home's way of telling you something isn't quite right.

The new year is the perfect time to hit reset — not just on goals and calendars, but also on your home’s plumbing system. After a busy holiday season of guests, heavy cooking, and higher water usage, your pipes and appliances could use a little post-party attention.