The snowy weather and cold temperatures of winter can do quite a bit of harm to your plumbing, both inside and outside. Now that winter is gone, it’s time to make sure that your plumbing is working properly.
Why is Spring an Important Season for Plumbing Maintenance?
From drains and gutters to sump pumps and toilets, there is a lot in and around your property that can get damaged from the cold. In fact, some plumbing fixtures and systems require preparation before the cold hits to ensure they are good to go for Spring.
Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips
So how can you prepare your plumbing for the nice weather? Check out our spring plumbing checklist below:
Check for Leaks
Winter’s freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and crack, which can lead to leaks and water damage when the ground thaws. In particular, this can affect exterior faucets, but it can affect other fixtures in your home or building as well if not taken care of promptly.
Check your water meter to see if there’s any unusual changes. You can also make a visual check for damp spots or puddles around your pipes and other plumbing systems.
Inspect & Clean Gutters
Leaves and sticks can clog up gutters throughout the winter, along with water and ice, which can affect downspouts and other parts of your home. It’s important to clean them out to stop build up and future water damage.
Test Your Sump Pump
Before April showers get into full swing, it’s crucial to ensure your sump pump is working properly. Start by turning off the power source, then remove the pump screen and inlet. You can then clean out the pump and the line from debris and any other possible blockages. Once that is complete, you can return the pump screen and inlet, then restore power.
If there is an issue after testing the system, contact That Plumber to come take a closer look!
Inspect Outdoor Faucets
Even if they don’t get used very often, checking outdoor faucets for leaks or damage get be beneficial in the long run. Verify that you either have an indoor shut off valve for each sillcock or an insulated foam faucet cover - these can prevent the pipes from freezing. You can also consider installing a frost-proof hose spigot for extra protection.
Clear Any Drains
Hair, grease, food – the list goes on for what can clog your drains, but you don’t need to let them destroy your pipes. Prevent future build up by installing drain covers or strainers and frequently pouring water down to keep the drains clear. If the drain is still moving slowly, give us a call to assist with drain cleaning!
Inspect Your Water Heater
Similar to your sump pump, you need to make sure your water heater is working properly in the post-winter weather. In order to ensure it's working as it should, you can start by checking for leaks around the tank and connections. If there is nothing out of the ordinary, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, as well as test the temperature and pressure settings.
Check for Toilet Leaks
Don’t forget to also check your toilet for any leaks! Start by listening for a running water sound, or even a faint hissing or trickling noise. If there is no unusual sound, you can also try the dye test – by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank and waiting 15 minutes, without flushing, any color that appears in the bowl means there’s a leak. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to determine if the leak is coming from the tank, the base of the toilet, or the pipes connected to it. If fixing toilet components isn’t in your skill set, That Plumber is available to help.
Need Help with Your Spring Plumbing Checklist? We Can Help!
Don’t let the dreary days of winter ruin your spring! Ensure your plumbing is in tip-top shape with these spring plumbing tips. If you find any leaks or issues during your check, contact That Plumber to get them taken care of sooner rather than later.