Winter’s harsh conditions can take a toll on your home’s plumbing system. So as temperatures rise and snow melts away, it’s time to prepare your pipes and fixtures for the warmer months ahead. A thorough spring plumbing check can save homeowners thousands of dollars by catching small issues before they become major problems.
Make plumbing maintenance part of your regular spring cleaning routine. This includes checking outdoor faucets, inspecting indoor fixtures, and looking for any signs of water damage that may have occurred during the cold season.
Simple preventive steps like examining pipes for leaks, testing water pressure, and clearing drain lines can keep our plumbing systems running smoothly throughout spring and summer.
Assessing Your Plumbing System
A thorough inspection of your plumbing system helps identify potential issues, saving money and preventing water damage to your home.
Inspecting Pipes and Faucets for Leaks
Check all visible pipes for signs of corrosion, cracks, or moisture, paying special attention to areas under sinks and around toilets. Look for water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors – these often indicate hidden leaks. A good method is to turn off all water sources and check your water meter, and if it moves within 2 hours, you likely have a leak in your home.
Common leak locations to check:
- Pipe joints and connections
- Faucet bases and handles
- Toilet seals and flanges
- Under-sink drain pipes
Checking Water Pressure and Valves
Test your home’s water pressure with a pressure gauge attached to an outside spigot. Normal pressure ranges between 40-80 PSI, and higher readings can damage pipes and appliances.
Essential valve checks:
- Main water valve: Turn fully off/on
- Individual fixture shutoffs
- Pressure relief valve on water heater
- Outdoor spigot valves
Ensure all valves move freely without sticking, and replace any valves that feel stiff or show signs of mineral buildup.
Evaluating Fixtures and Appliances
Examine supply lines to your washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker, and replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones for better durability. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. The pump should activate automatically and remove the water quickly.
Appliance inspection points:
- Water heater: Check for leaks and rust
- Toilets: Listen for running water
- Faucets: Look for drips
- Garbage disposal: Check for proper drainage
To keep your sinks fresh, add food-grade lubricant to garbage disposal blades and clean mineral deposits from faucet aerators.
Outdoor Plumbing Preparation
A proper outdoor plumbing inspection will protect your home from water damage and keep your yard looking great. Smart maintenance now prevents costly problems later.
Servicing Outdoor Faucets and Gutters
Check outdoor faucets for frost damage and leaks, turning each faucet on and placing your thumb over the opening – if you can stop the flow completely, there may be damage to the pipe inside the home. Replace worn washers and tighten loose faucet handles, then look for cracks in the metal or plastic components.
Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, using a garden hose to flush each section and verify proper drainage. Water should flow freely away from your home’s foundation.
Key maintenance tasks:
- Test for drips and leaks
- Clear blockages
- Check seals and connections
- Repair loose brackets
- Clean gutter screens
Maintaining Sprinklers and Sewer Lines
Start by inspecting each sprinkler head for damage, clean or replace clogged nozzles, and adjust spray patterns to avoid wasting water on sidewalks or structures.
Check underground pipes for leaks by running each zone for 5 minutes while watching for unusual wet spots or reduced pressure. Test main sewer line function by running water in multiple fixtures at once. Gurgling sounds or slow drains signal potential issues.
Important steps:
- Test zones one at a time
- Look for broken heads
- Clear root blockages
- Fix misaligned sprinklers
- Check valve function
- Clean system filters
Indoor Maintenance and Prevention
Indoor plumbing maintenance is crucial to protect homes from water damage and prevent costly repairs. Regular checks and simple maintenance tasks can keep systems running smoothly.
Protecting Against Basement Flooding
A working sump pump is essential to prevent basement flooding, so test your pump by pouring water into the pit and watching it activate and drain properly. Clean debris from the pump intake and check the discharge pipe for clogs or damage. Replace the backup battery, too, if needed.
Install a water alarm near the sump pump to alert you of high water levels. This simple device can save thousands in water damage repairs. It’s also wise to add a backwater valve to prevent sewage backflow during heavy rains.
Upkeeping Drains and Preventing Clogs
Pour hot water down drains weekly to help dissolve grease and soap buildup, and use drain strainers in all sinks and tubs to catch hair and debris.
Monthly drain maintenance:
- Clean pop-up stoppers and drain covers
- Remove and clean P-traps under sinks
- Use enzyme-based drain cleaners instead of harsh chemicals
- Run cold water when using garbage disposals
Also, check exposed pipes under sinks for leaks or corrosion, looking for water stains or dampness around pipe joints.
Checking Toilets and Plumbing Vent Pipes
Test toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, replace the flapper valve. Check toilet bases for wobbling or leaks, tighten mounting bolts and replace the wax ring if needed. Replace old toilet flappers and fill valves every 4-5 years to prevent running toilets and water waste.
Inspect visible vent pipes in the attic for damage or disconnection, and clear debris from roof vent covers to ensure proper drainage and prevent gurgling sounds.
Get in touch to arrange a professional inspection of your home’s plumbing system.
