April 3, 2024

7 Ways to Prepare Your Plumbing for Spring

You may not realize, but the changing of the seasons has a considerable effect on your plumbing. In order to prepare your plumbing for spring, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your system is flowing and functioning at its best as the weather warms.

At Tindall & Ranson, we’re here to provide 7 ways to prepare your plumbing for spring!

Sump Pump: Perform a Check & Test

Since the beginning of spring is riddled with rain showers, it’s important to make sure that the excess water isn’t making it into the lower levels of your home. You’ll want to check to see that your sump pump is active and working.

You can do this by:

• Pour a bucket or two of water in the pit (never run the sump pump dry because it could cause damage down the road)
• Clear any natural debris like leaves because they could block the discharge line
• Test the battery backup to ensure that the sump pump will function in the event of a power outage caused by a severe storm

Inspect Your Water Heater

Because water heaters store water, there could be underlying rust forming inside. The combination of the water and oxygen can cause the metal to corrode. You’ll want to perform a detailed check of your water heater to make sure that there is no corrosion or rust. If you do find signs of corrosion or rust, consult a professional plumber.

Check Your Outdoor Fixtures for Leaks

Whether your yard is uphill or is prone to flooding, it’s important to keep an eye on any exterior spigots to ensure that there’s no leaks. If you use sprinklers, garden hoses, or soakers, test them out to see if they are flowing normally and that there are no leaks. If there are leaks, it could result in a spike in your utilities bills and lead to water damage to your yard and any outdoor furniture.

Check for Indoor Leaks

During this time of year, you’ll want to perform a check of your various plumbing fixtures and appliances for any signs of leaks. Leaks not only complicate the function of these systems, but it can also lead to further damage to your home, like water damage to your walls, floor rot, and more.

Inspect the connections with all of these systems to see if there’s any water buildup appearing below the pipes.

Clear Your Gutters

Natural debris can wreak havoc on your gutters, which can even cause more damage to your roof. You’ll want to make sure that your gutters and rails are clear of any leaves or twigs so that they flow and drain efficiently. If not, the water could seep into your roofing shingles, which could lead to more headaches and even more costs for repairs.

Inspect Your Valves

Due to regular water flow, mineral buildup can greatly affect your ability to open and close your valves. You can prevent this by opening and closing your valves to loosen the buildup. It’s recommended that you perform this minor task every season to prevent any further buildup.

Consult a Professional Plumber

While a lot of these spring-cleaning plumbing tasks can be performed routinely, it’s always important to have an expert plumber on your side who can accurately diagnose any issues, prioritize their urgency, and create a clear-cut plan to help you resolve these issues to help your plumbing function normally.

Contact Tindall & Ranson for Your Plumbing Needs

Making sure that your plumbing systems work is imperative once the warmer, and wetter, weather hits. Have you checked your systems and noticed something off? Let the experts at Tindall & Ranson help by contacting us today!