It’s springtime, so it’s time to turn our attention to our plumbing systems.
Taking some proactive steps now can save you from costly and inconvenient plumbing issues down the road. In this article, we’ll share seven essential spring plumbing maintenance tips to help you keep your plumbing system in top shape for the season ahead.
From checking for leaks to prepping your outdoor faucets, we’ve got you covered with our maintenance checklist.
So grab your toolbelt, and let’s dive into our expert advice to ensure a smooth and worry-free spring season for your home’s plumbing!
The Ultimate Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Here’s an expert list of tips and tricks that homeowners can use to maintain their plumbing systems in the spring:
1. Check Your System for Leaks and Drips
Inspect all faucets, showers, toilets, and visible pipes for any signs of leaks or drips. Address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage and water waste.
If your monthly water consumption is rising, and there is no apparent reason for the increase, schedule a visit with a professional plumbing leak detection service. Not only will they be able to identify and repair your leaks, but they are also an invaluable source of plumbing maintenance tips!
2. Inspect Your Pipe Insulation
Reinsulate any exposed pipes in colder areas of your home, such as the basement or crawl spaces. This will prevent them from freezing during any unexpected cold snaps.
3. Clean Out the Drains
Spring is an excellent time to clear out any clog-causing debris that has built up in your drains over the winter. Use a commercial drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
4. Flush Your Water Heater
Flushing your water heater can help remove sediment buildup that may have accumulated during winter, improving its efficiency and extending its lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper flushing. If you don’t have the instructions, you can follow these steps:
Turn off the power or gas supply
If your water heater is electric, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. If it’s gas, turn off the gas supply valve.
Allow the water to cool
Let the water in the tank cool down for several hours before proceeding with the flushing process. Even moderately hot water can cause scalds, so it’s essential to wait until it’s safe to handle.
Locate your drain valve
The drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the water heater and may be connected to a hose bib or have a handle that you can turn to open.
Connect a garden hose
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and ensure the other end is placed in a suitable drainage area, such as a floor drain or somewhere outside.
Open the drain valve
Slowly open the drain valve by turning the handle counterclockwise or opening the hose bib. Be cautious; the water may be hot and/or contain sediment.
Flush the tank
Allow the water to flow out of the tank and carry away sediment for several minutes until the water runs clear. You may need to open and close the drain valve several times to help dislodge the sediment.
Close the drain valve
Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve tightly by turning the handle clockwise or closing the hose bib.
Refill the tank
Turn on the cold water supply to the water heater and let the tank refill. Open a hot water faucet in your home to allow air to escape from the system.
Restore power or gas supply
Once the tank is full, restore the power or gas supply to the water heater.
5. Check Your Water Pressure
Checking the water pressure is one of the spring plumbing tasks that you’ll want to address. Test the water pressure in your home to ensure it’s within the recommended range (typically between 40-60 psi). High water pressure can strain your plumbing system, while low water pressure can indicate an issue that needs to be addressed.
6. Inspect Your Outdoor Plumbing
Check your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor faucets for any damage caused by winter weather. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. Turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks or issues.
The best way to inspect your outdoor plumbing is with video camera detection. A plumbing professional can feed a camera through your pipe network without the need for digging up your yard or dismantling your pipework.
A video camera line can travel up to 300 feet into your system and picture pipes from 2 inches to 36 inches in diameter. This will give you a clear picture of where breaks or clogs might be occurring and what’s causing them.
7. Schedule an Inspection With a Professional Plumber
Consider hiring a qualified plumber, like one of our team members at Diamondback Plumbing, to inspect your plumbing system thoroughly. They can identify potential issues early on and provide recommendations for repairs or improvements.
Seven Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips — Conclusion
In conclusion, as winter’s frosty grip loosens its hold and spring blooms into full swing, it’s time to turn our attention to our home’s plumbing system.
By following these seven spring plumbing tips, you can ensure that your plumbing is in top shape for the warmer months ahead.
Remember to start by checking for any signs of leaks, drips, or water damage in and around your home. Inspect your faucets, showers, toilets, and pipes for any visible issues and address them promptly to prevent further damage and water waste. Next, thoroughly clean your drains to clear out any accumulated debris that may cause clogs.
Remember to check your outdoor plumbing as well. Inspect your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor faucets for any damage caused by winter’s harsh weather. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. If you had your outdoor faucets winterized, it’s time to turn them back on and check for any leaks or issues.
Spring is also a great time to check your water heater. Flush it to remove any sediment buildup that may have accumulated during the winter months. This will improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Finally, consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection to thoroughly assess the condition of your plumbing system. A qualified plumber (like one of our team members at Diamondback) can identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs and provide you with peace of mind.
Remember, a little maintenance now can go a long way in preventing costly repairs down the road. Happy plumbing, and here’s to a seamless spring season!