Once the winter weather passes and spring arrives, homeowners often notice plumbing issues. It’s crucial to take on certain tasks that help identify and address problems to minimize damage. Understanding more about the situation and knowing what to do if issues happen can help you make informed decisions for your home before the spring melt.
Recognize the Signs of Trouble
Your plumbing system will usually exhibit signs when there’s an issue. Slow-draining water, foul odors, frequently clogged drains, persistent low water pressure, and discolored water are several indicators. Recognizing these signs allows you to contact us promptly for fast assistance before the problem gets worse.
Check Outdoor Fixtures
Check that your outdoor fixtures are in good shape since you will be using them frequently come spring. For example, make sure that your hose bibb isn’t rusted or damaged in any other way. You should also assess your gardening hoses to see if there are any holes or kinks that need repair. Don’t forget about your sprinkler system. A professional can assess components of your system and ensure there are no leaks.
Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
A professional plumbing inspection in spring is ideal. Our team can perform a comprehensive inspection, checking for signs of issues like discolored water or low water pressure. We’ll also look for indicators that you might have a hidden leak, such as musty odors, dripping noises, and wet spots on your wall. They tend to happen most frequently in bathrooms and kitchens. If the problems persist and go unaddressed, it could lead to significant trouble, such as mold growth. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, making it crucial to address it promptly, especially during warm temperatures.
Many homeowners add an inspection to their spring-cleaning or summer task list, which means appointments can book up fast. Scheduling yours at the end of winter or in early spring may provide you with more dates and time slots. Additionally, you can learn about the state of your plumbing system sooner rather than later. Noticing and fixing problems early is much more beneficial and cost-effective than waiting until after they become severe.
Conduct Self-Inspections
It’s important to do regular self-inspections of your plumbing system. This is especially vital in areas that are often out of sight.
Sump Pumps
It’s necessary to clean the inlet screen regularly. Debris and mineral deposits can accumulate and impede water flow. Turn the sump pump off before starting the task. Make sure you test your sump pump to ensure it functions once the screen is clean.
Additionally, you should test your sump pump at least once every six months. Pour several gallons of water into the pit to make sure the device turns on and remove it.
Drains
Drains consist of multiple integral parts. A licensed plumber can use camera equipment to inspect your drains and pipes. However, you can visually inspect the surface of your drains and any visible pipes. Look for cracks, corrosion, and other potential damage. Pay attention to how quickly water flows down each drain. Slow-moving water indicates a potential clog or problem.
Pipes
Visually inspect the exposed pipes in and around your home, such as the ones in your basement, garage, or outdoors. Check for issues like corrosion, white mineral buildup, condensation, and cracks.
Water-Using Appliances
Check your water-using appliances, including your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. Assess the valves for corrosion, cracks, or leaks, and inspect the hoses and lines for cracks, leaks, kinks, and holes. Look for wet spots on the floor or dripping water from the appliances themselves, especially after you just used them. You should also look for signs of previous wet spots that might have gone unnoticed. This includes water stains on the walls, especially below valves, as well as water marks on the floor. Pay attention to signs of mold, whether you see it or notice a musty odor somewhere in your home.
Install Smart Water Leak Detectors
These devices are an excellent way to spot leaks early. You can install them or request that a plumber do it for you. They go in areas where water leaks may occur, such as near exposed plumbing pipes and by water-using appliances like dishwashers. If they detect moisture, they send an alert to your smartphone notifying you of the problem. Certain devices will also go as far as to turn the water off in that area. This can help prevent leaks from causing severe damage, especially if they’re in areas that you don’t normally look.
Book Hydro Jetting
After holiday hosting is over, your plumbing system may be suffering. Booking a hydro jetting appointment can help remove built-up gunk and debris in your pipes. It can also clear clogs, decrease mineral buildup, and blast through minor tree root intrusions. Hydro jetting not only improves your plumbing system. It also serves as a proactive measure to help prevent issues from recurring. The service is a good option for many types of plumbing systems.
We don’t perform drain cleaning as part of our annual plumbing inspection. However, when scheduling your appointment, you can request that we do both simultaneously.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts help direct water away from your house. This helps prevent water from pooling near your underground plumbing pipes. If this happens, it could result in the over-saturated soil shifting, which may cause already vulnerable pipes to crack. Additionally, it reduces the chances of water backing up into crawlspaces and basements. Excessive water can overwhelm your sump pump and cause it to malfunction. The situation is even more problematic if you don’t have a sump pump.
Have a professional remove nests, leaves, branches, and other debris that have built up in your gutters and downspouts. They can also install gutter guards, which can reduce the chances of the problem recurring. It’s ideal to have this task completed at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. As snow and ice melts, there will be a lot of water trying to move through these areas.
Deep Clean Your Plumbing Fixtures
Your plumbing fixtures, including faucets and showerheads, can experience wear and tear daily. To keep them in the best condition possible, they benefit from deep cleaning in spring and throughout the rest of the year. Adding this task to your spring-cleaning checklist offers numerous benefits, including removing unsightly soap scum, bacteria, and mineral buildup. It also improves your water pressure, eliminates foul odors, and prevents corrosion. Additionally, it helps extend the lifespans of your fixtures.
Keep your plumbing system in excellent shape for spring and the rest of the year. Burgess Plumbing Heating & Electrical Co Ltd in Williams Lake, BC, provides high-quality plumbing services, including repairs and seasonal maintenance. Call us at Burgess Plumbing Heating & Electrical Co Ltd today to book an appointment or request service through our website.
