As the seasons change, it’s important to make sure you are ready. There are different conditions to prepare for, such as higher rainfall and warmer temperatures. These changes can be particularly important for your plumbing system. It’s a good idea to take care of a few things to prepare your plumbing for spring.
There are simple tasks you can perform on your own that can get your home’s plumbing ready for warmer weather. Getting ahead of these things will give you time to look for potential problems and get them taken care of. If something looks too complicated for you to fix or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local residential plumbing experts. They have the tools and training for long-lasting solutions.
Four Tips for Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Spring
Your home’s plumbing system is complicated, with fixtures, fittings and piping all working together to supply water where and when you need it. Here are four tips for preparing your plumbing for spring.
1. Inspect the Pipes and Fixtures
One thing you can do is check your pipes for leaks. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water and cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to fix any that you find. You should also check for any signs of corrosion or damage as well as mold. Damp or dark stains could be a sign of water damage and a leak behind your walls. It might be a good idea to have a professional inspect your pipes. They can identify leaks more quickly and easily, minimizing the risk of water damage.
2. Test Your Home’s Sump Pump
Another task you should consider is testing your sump pump. Sump pumps keep the basement dry by pumping water that reaches the foundation away from your house. To test this, perform the following steps:
- Disconnect the power to your sump pump
- Fill the sump basin
- Restore power to the pump.
The pump should turn on, drain the water and shut off. If it’s not functioning properly, it can cause expensive water damage down the line. A battery or water-powered backup offers extra protection and allows your sump pump to work even during a power outage.
You should also make sure the discharge hose is hooked up and extended into the yard to divert the water away from the foundation. If you hear any strange noises or the pump struggles to work, it’s a good sign that something isn’t right. Call us anytime for a sump pump inspection if you want the peace of mind without the hassle of doing it yourself.
3. Check on All Outdoor Plumbing
You may also want to check your outdoor plumbing. Inspect for any damage, rot, or corrosion around spigots before you turn them on. If you left a hose on last fall and they froze, they may be split and leaking in an area that you cannot see – like inside of a wall or basement ceiling. This leak will not show up until you start using the spigot. This is caused when a hose is left on in the winter and the water inside freezes and expands, forcing the spigot to split or crack. Make sure there are no leaks or cracks, and that everything is in good working order. You may have some air in the water line for a few minutes, but this is normal after being shut off all winter. If you have a lawn sprinkler system, once it is started for the season keep an eye on all components and watch for leaks.
4. Clean Up Yard Debris
Finally, you’ll want to clean up the yard debris from around the exterior of your home. This can include sticks, leaves, trash and other materials leftover from the winter. Melting ice and higher rainfall can pull debris into your home’s gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to flooding, water damage or leaks. It is also a good idea to clean debris from around your air conditioner. This would also be a great time to schedule an AC inspection to make sure you are ready for the heat of summer.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Professional Plumbers
If you need help with plumbing repair, local professionals offer specialized tools and knowledge. They know where to look to for problems and how to deliver the fastest, longest-lasting solutions. When you work with a trusted plumber in Sioux Falls, SD, your home’s plumbing will be ready for anything this spring and summer.
