Proactive Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips: Seasonal Plumbing 101

The cold spell isn’t the only thing that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. With spring on the horizon, homeowners must make the necessary preparations for warmer weather. Spring is the ideal season for performing yearly rituals such as cleaning and deodorizing homes. Because it is the time when things begin to thaw and defrost after a potentially damaging winter, it is an ideal time for scheduled plumbing system maintenance. Furthermore, this will protect homes from a variety of plumbing emergencies, wasteful water consumption, and high utility bills.

With the following proactive measures to keep your plumbing humming, you can avoid various plumbing-related hassles and fully enjoy the season come alive with sunshine and color:

Plumbing Fixtures

Examine your faucets for drips or leaks. Make any necessary repairs as soon as possible, because while dripping taps may appear to waste only a few drops of water, they can actually raise your water bill. In addition, inspect your toilets for leaks or other physical damage. Simply drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and leave it for 30 minutes. Then, check to see if the color of the toilet bowl has changed. If this is the case, you should replace the flapper or contact a plumber as soon as possible to resolve the issue. This will prevent the situation from worsening and will save money on future repairs.

You can improve the flow of water by replacing tap aerators and cleaning your shower heads. Fill a baggy with vinegar and soak the showerhead in it with a rubber band. Allow it to sit overnight, then scrub away the loosened mineral deposits with an old toothbrush.

Keep Your Drains in Good Condition

Install strainers in your drains to keep hair, food particles, soap, and other debris from becoming lodged and causing clogs. If your drains become clogged, unclog them immediately or contact a qualified plumber to solve the problem.

Run water through infrequently used drains on a regular basis to replenish any odour traps that may have dried up over the winter and prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home.

Appliances

Include appliance inspection in your routine plumbing maintenance. Ascertain that they are operating at peak efficiency.

Heaters for Water

To save energy and avoid scalding, set your water heater thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For homeowners who have storage-type water heaters, flush out any hard water sediment and minerals that have accumulated in the tank, which cause corrosion, reduce efficiency, and shorten the appliance’s lifespan. Keep flammable materials away from your water heater and replace older units that are over 15 years old. Newer models will invariably be more energy-efficient and cost-effective. In addition, read the manufacturer’s instructions for product maintenance.

Washing Machine and Dishwasher

Machine hoses with leaks and bulges should be replaced. Hoses should be replaced if they are more than 10 years old. Furthermore, braided stainless steel hoses are preferable to rubber hoses.

Pump for Sump

This spring, make sure to keep your sump pump primed and ready. If you haven’t checked your sump pump in a while, try it out by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. Expect the pump to start up in a matter of seconds, discharging all of the water when it reaches 8-12 inches below the surface of the basement floor, then shutting down automatically. If your sump pump is not working properly, have it serviced by a qualified plumber before it fails completely.

Check to see if you have a battery backup for the sump pump. Consider getting one if you don’t already have one. In the event of a power outage, a battery backup will keep your sump pump running.

Septic System

Inspect the ground where your septic tank is buried on a regular basis. If you notice unusual wet spots or puddles on the surface, you should contact a plumbing service to inspect your septic system and ensure there are no problems.

Downspouts and Guttering

Clear your gutters of debris and leaves before spring storms to avoid clogs, mold growth, and water damage. Additionally, ensure that downspouts are pointing away from our house.

Irrigation and outdoor faucets

Examine your exterior faucets and hose bibs. Turn them on and check that there are no drips and that the water flows freely. A backflow device protects potable water from contamination in an in-ground irrigation system. Before using the system to water your lawn this summer, inspect its components and repair or replace any damaged parts.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your plumbing system is in good working order as the April showers arrive!