Protect Your Plumbing This Spring With This Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the best time to clean your Crawfordsville home, garden, and outdoor buildings. This means using more water than usual and more than you did during winter.

Extra usage puts pressure on your plumbing system. If your pipes and fixtures have already been damaged or weakened during the winter months, you could have a burst pipe on your hands.

You may not have noticed other plumbing issues, like rotten wooden floorboards and mold.

Before you haul out the garden hoses and reconnect your irrigation system for the big spring clean, you should do a proper inspection and potential DIY maintenance.

If you notice anything you will not be able to fix on your own, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

With Summers PHC, you can proactively protect your plumbing system. We offer professional plumbing maintenance services tailored to your requirements. We have eye-popping specials, including paying only $99 for a thorough drain cleaning (with a camera inspection). You also get a FREE plumbing service call with any paid repair.

How Simple Plumbing Maintenance Can Help You Save

In Crawfordsville, the temperatures can turn harsh during winter. If your pipes and outdoor fixtures freeze, you will have several plumbing problems in the spring when everything thaws.

Spring is the time to check for water leaks and damage. The sooner you inspect your pipes, the quicker you can fix small cracks and leaks. If you leave the damage unfixed, the water can eventually damage the inside of your house.

Regular and prompt maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs when you can least afford them. It can also extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, so you don’t have to replace the components prematurely.

Here is how to get started:

1.      Comprehensive Indoor Plumbing Inspection

It is a good idea to start with a visual inspection of all exposed pipes. You want to include the pipes in the basement, under the sinks, and utility rooms.

Check for signs of damage or wear. You may notice hairline cracks or strange discoloration that could indicate erosion or rust.

If you don’t see anything unusual, listen for dripping water. There may be a serious hidden leak if you hear water moving inside the wall but your faucets are turned off.

You should also check that pipes in uninsulated areas have their insulation intact. If these pipes are not insulated properly, they can sustain severe damage when the temperatures fluctuate.

2.      Water Heater Maintenance

If you use your water heater constantly during the winter, it needs maintenance in the spring. Drain and flush the tank and check around the base for signs of moisture or rust.

You may need to replace your water heater if it starts making unusual noises or has become inefficient due to aging.

3.      Faucet and Fixture Check

Faucets, showerheads, and sinks are common areas where leaks and clogs occur. To check the health of your faucets and fixtures, use a pressure gauge to check the water pressure. Ideally, the pressure should be between 40-60 PSI.

If the pressure is inconsistent, a leak or blockage may occur somewhere. If it is not a clog you can fix with a plunger, you should call for professional help.

Inspecting your aerators and showerheads is also important because they tend to accumulate mineral deposits. In some cases, you should be able to dissolve these deposits with a vinegar solution.

Lastly, open and close all faucets and check for drips when they are closed. If you leave a dripping tap, it will waste water and increase your utility bill. Repairing these leaks can make a big difference over the long term.

4.      Toilet Health

Don’t overlook your toilets when checking off your spring plumbing maintenance checklist. If you suspect a leak in a toilet, add food coloring (just a few drops) to the tank. Do not flush and wait for 30 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl, the toilet has a slow leak that needs to be fixed.

Also, check the flush efficiency of each toilet. If you have to flush more than once, upgrading to a modern, low-flow toilet may be better. These toilets will save you money and are much safer for the environment.

5.      Outdoor Plumbing Readiness

Your outdoor plumbing fixtures may sustain damage in winter that is not immediately noticeable. You must inspect all faucets and connections for damage so you can fix or replace them promptly. This includes testing faucets for leaks and replacing damaged insulation covers for hose bibs.

When you set up your sprinkler system for spring, check for broken sprinkler heads or wear and tear on the pipes and valves. Run the system to ensure the water flows evenly through all zones. If one zone lacks pressure or efficiency, it must be repaired.

Remember to include your gutters and downspouts on your checklist. Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt that may restrict water flow. Check for weakened sections or misaligned downspouts. When the downspouts do not work properly, water can pool around your house, damaging the foundation.

Call a Plumber for Assistance

There may be a systemic issue if you have more than one leak throughout your home. This requires a professional inspection and repair. You also need a plumber’s help if you notice extensive water damage or a recurring clog in a drain.

A professional plumber can help you be more proactive with your maintenance and catch issues before they become huge problems.

Trust Summers PHC for Comprehensive Plumbing Maintenance Services in Crawfordsville

Whether your Crawfordsville home requires routine maintenance after winter, an emergency repair, or an efficient upgrade, the Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling team is here to help. For reliable plumbing assistance when you need it most, call us at 765-310-3070 or book a service online. Remember to take advantage of our current local specials.