Spring Plumbing Maintenance: Tips to Prepare Your Home for the New Season

As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to give your home a fresh start—especially when it comes to plumbing. Spring plumbing maintenance is essential for preventing costly repairs and ensuring your system operates smoothly throughout the season. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential plumbing tasks to tackle during your spring cleaning routine to avoid unexpected issues and keep everything flowing smoothly.

1. Check for Leaks Around Your Home

Leaks, even small ones, can waste a significant amount of water and drive up your utility bills. During your spring cleaning, make it a priority to inspect all visible plumbing fixtures in your home for leaks.

• Tip: Look for signs of water damage around faucets, under sinks, and near toilets. Check for water stains, mold growth, or damp spots on walls or ceilings. Tighten any loose connections and replace any worn-out washers to prevent leaks.
• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to inspect your outdoor faucets, especially if they are exposed to freezing temperatures during the winter. Frozen pipes can crack and lead to leaks when they thaw.

2. Clean and Maintain Your Drains

Over time, drains can become clogged with food debris, grease, soap scum, and hair. These buildups can slow down drainage and eventually cause blockages. Spring is a great time to clean out your drains and prevent future problems.

• Tip: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains naturally. Follow it up with hot water to flush out any remaining debris. If you have a garbage disposal, run ice cubes and salt through it to break up grease and sharpen the blades.
• Pro Tip: Consider using a drain cover or screen to catch hair and debris before they go down the drain, preventing clogs in the future.

3. Inspect and Flush Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard throughout the year, and as spring approaches, it’s important to ensure it’s in good working condition for the warmer months. Flushing your water heater can help remove sediment buildup and improve its efficiency.

• Tip: If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in the past year, it’s a good idea to do so now. Sediment buildup can reduce the unit’s efficiency and cause it to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
• Pro Tip: Check your water heater’s temperature setting and adjust it to 120°F to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. If you notice any leaks or signs of corrosion, it may be time to replace the unit.

4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, it’s essential to ensure it’s functioning properly before the spring rains arrive. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, causing water damage and mold growth.

• Tip: Test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit to ensure it activates and pumps the water out efficiently. Check the discharge pipe to ensure it’s clear and directs water away from your home’s foundation.
• Pro Tip: Clean the sump pump and remove any debris from the pit to prevent clogs and ensure proper functioning when you need it most.

5. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Spring brings warmer weather, and with it, the increased use of outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and irrigation systems. It’s crucial to ensure these systems are in good shape before you start using them more frequently.

• Tip: Check your outdoor faucets for leaks, and replace any worn-out washers or faulty valves. Ensure that hoses and irrigation systems are securely connected and free from leaks.
• Pro Tip: If you have a sprinkler system, test each zone to make sure the sprinklers are working properly and not wasting water. You can also adjust the sprinkler heads to make sure they’re watering the right areas.

6. Address Water Pressure Issues

Low water pressure can be a sign of a plumbing issue, such as a clogged pipe or a problem with the water supply. Spring is a great time to check your home’s water pressure and address any issues before they become a nuisance.

• Tip: You can test your water pressure with a water pressure gauge, which can be found at most hardware stores. The ideal water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi. If your pressure is too low or too high, consider contacting a professional plumber to investigate the issue.
• Pro Tip: High water pressure can damage your pipes and fixtures, so it’s important to maintain proper pressure levels. If needed, a plumber can install a pressure regulator to prevent damage.

7. Prepare for Upcoming Summer Plumbing Needs

With summer on the horizon, your plumbing system will face an increased demand for things like water usage, showers, and air conditioning systems. Getting your plumbing ready for the busy months ahead will help ensure a smooth summer.

• Tip: Make sure your plumbing system is up to the task by performing all necessary maintenance now. Check for leaks, inspect appliances, and address any potential issues so you can avoid plumbing emergencies during the summer.
• Pro Tip: Consider scheduling an annual plumbing inspection with a professional plumber to address any hidden issues and keep your system in peak condition.

Spring Clean Your Plumbing System for a Fresh Start

Spring is the perfect time to tackle plumbing maintenance and prevent potential issues from arising. By checking for leaks, cleaning your drains, flushing your water heater, and inspecting outdoor plumbing fixtures, you can ensure that your plumbing system stays in top shape throughout the warmer months. Preventive maintenance now can save you time, money, and headaches later.

If you need help with spring plumbing maintenance or would like to schedule a professional inspection, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205. Our team is here to help keep your plumbing system running smoothly all year long.