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Six Tips for Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Spring

The snow is finally melting and it’s time for some much-needed plumbing maintenance. All the accumulated ice and snow not only wears down your home but potentially buries damages that won’t see the light of day until its above freezing. Your plumbing is no exception, and with the incoming showers, it’s best to be prepared. Nobody wants to trade off frozen plumbing for leaky, busted pipes, and a flooded basement. Luckily, with the right maintenance, you don’t have to.

How You Can Keep Your Home Dry This Spring

Whether you experienced any trouble during the winter season or not, spring can be just as damaging and unpredictable. Water from melted snow can leak into cracks and crevices, resulting in costly water damage. Appliances like your sump pump and water heater may have overworked themselves to keep your home warm and dry. Worst of all is your plumbing, which has just survived the threat of freezing and bursting. The good news is that you can prevent a plumbing catastrophe no matter what time of year, here’s how.

• Check for leaks. Leaks can happen anywhere, which is why it’s important to thoroughly inspect your pipes and water fixtures. Look around your home. Make sure there is no water dripping out or around the connections, especially when a fixture is not in use. You can often find exposed pipes underneath cabinets or in your basement. Some leaks may be hard to find, but you can usually spot the warning signs. If you find a leaky fixture or pipe, water pooling in places they shouldn’t be, or constantly hear running water, you should contact a plumber immediately.
• Inspect your sump pump. Your sump pump may have overworked itself this winter to keep your basement flood free, which means it could be due for some maintenance. Make sure to fill the basin to the top with water, your sump pump should start immediately. If it doesn’t, then something is in need of repair. If you remove the basin, there’s a grate at the bottom that needs cleaning. It may also be worthwhile to have a plumber inspect your sump pump, as well as other water appliances.
• Clean your drains. Clogs are a nuisance for you and your plumbing, and they can happen anytime. It’s always a good idea to consistently clean your drains, as it can not only prevent clogs but bigger plumbing problems. Avoid chemical drain cleaners when cleaning the drains, as the chemicals used can eat away at your pipes and destroy expensive coatings on your sinks and counters. Hot water, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels are all safe alternatives.
• Don’t forget your water heater. Besides the sump pump, spring is a good season to tune up your water heater. It’s recommended that you service your water heater every six months to ensure it functions properly. A water heater in need of maintenance, or worse, a damaged water heater, is at risk of bursting and flooding your basement. Make sure to flush the tank of any sediment deposits and debris that could have built up inside. An inspection can also help detect any potential problems before they get serious.
• Look for any damages. The winter season can be a lot on your home, which is why it’s a good idea to inspect for damages as soon as possible. The extreme cold, ice, and snow could have damaged your home’s exterior and plumbing. Check for any cracks, leaks, or broken connections which could have been caused by a frozen pipe. The longer a broken pipe is left untreated, the worse your plumbing can get, call a plumber right away if your plumbing is damaged.
• Inspect your basement plumbing. Not all of your plumbing is hidden inside the walls. While you’re busy inspecting your appliances and water fixtures, it’s important not to forget the basement plumbing, as well as what’s underneath your house. Check any exposed pipes for potential damages. If you notice wet spots, pools of water, or smell mold, you most likely have a leak that needs urgent repair.

Prepare for Spring Showers

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing catastrophe, but they can happen. That’s why proper plumbing maintenance is important, especially as you’re going from one wet season to another. The spring season can be just as tough on your plumbing without the right preparation, so it’s important to prepare before it arrives. Keep your home dry and plumbing happy by scheduling an inspection with a plumber today.