As the weather warms up and we begin to enjoy the sunshine, it is important to inspect your home for damage and begin prepping for spring. Cold weather and winter storms can cause wear and tear, or even break your pipes or plumbing. Here are six quick tips to prepare your plumbing for spring.
Check Faucets for Leaks & Damage
Inspect your outdoor faucets and pipes for any damage, cracks, or leaks. Then, examine the pipes and faucets inside your home, including sinks, toilets, showers, and behind your washing machine. It is also important to check behind refrigerators, in attics, and inside crawl spaces. If you notice any leaks, standing water, or rust, it is important to get it fixed quickly to prevent any extensive damage.
Check Your Sprinkler System
As we enter spring, many people will use sprinkler systems to grow and maintain gardens. It is important to inspect your sprinkler system and ensure nothing was broken or damaged during the winter season. Keep an eye on your sprinklers and make sure they are not leaking while turned off. Setting your sprinklers on a timer can be beneficial to save water, money, and make sure your plants are not being over-watered.
Double Check Water Pressure
If you notice your water pressure has drastically decreased, you may have a leak somewhere in your pipes. Other indicators include noticeable increases in your water bills, and random soggy spots around your yard where your pipes run underground.
Inspect Your Water Heater
While you are inspecting your plumbing, make sure to check your water heater by looking for any signs of rusting, puddling, or soot around the control panel. If your water heater is more than 15 years old and you frequently experience problems, you may want to consider replacing it. You can check the age of your water heater by looking at the first four numbers of the serial number, the numbers represent the month and year the appliance was manufactured.
Clear Debris from Drains
It is important to clear debris, sticks, and leaves from around your gutters and drainpipes. During the winter months and into spring, the storms and wind can cause clogs in your gutters. Any blockages can cause damage to your pipes or lead to flooding and leaks. While you are clearing away waste, take the time to check your gutters for cracks or damage. Your pipes will work a lot more efficiently when they can properly drain.
Check Your Sump Pump
During your spring preparation, clean and test your sump pump to ensure it is working correctly. It is important to check this off early to prevent your basement or home from flooding during spring showers. If you notice any malfunctions, contact Eastern Plumbing to schedule a service today.
Water usage generally increases as the weather warms up, so it is important to inspect and look out for any damage or leaks as early as possible. If you discover any problems during your spring plumbing prep, don’t hesitate to contact Eastern Plumbing and schedule a service today, 252-758-7579.
