Your Ultimate Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for a Stress-Free Spring

After a long winter of freezing temperatures and extra stress on your plumbing system, spring brings the opportunity for essential maintenance. When the weather finally warms up, you must make an effort to ensure your pipes and other plumbing fixtures are ready for the new season.

In 2025, spring plumbing maintenance is easier than ever, especially if you have a reliable plumber to call for assistance. The following checklist will guide you through everything you need to know to protect your plumbing while saving money.

It will also highlight when you should leave the fixing or replacement to the professionals.

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Why a Spring Plumbing Checklist Matters

Walking through your house and checking a pipe here and there will not prevent serious plumbing problems after winter. If you have a plumbing maintenance checklist, you know what to look for and what to do if you find an issue.

For instance, your checklist includes finding hidden and obvious leaks in and around your home. The faster you find them, the quicker they can be repaired, saving you money.

Moreover, if leaks are fixed promptly, there is less risk of water damage and mold growth, which can risk your family’s health.

Your checklist is also not only about inspection. It is about ensuring your home’s plumbing works efficiently regardless of season.

1.      Recognize Winter’s Extreme Toll on Your Plumbing System

Before we get to the steps on the checklist, it is important to know why maintenance is essential.

Firstly, icy temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. This puts extreme pressure on the pipe, which can cause a crack or burst. This damage is not always visible until the pipe thaws in spring.

The constant freeze-thaw cycle of winter can also weaken rubber seals and gaskets. Over time, this can result in slow leaks.

It is common for sediment to build up in pipes and water heaters during winter. This can lead to overheating and reduced efficiency.

Recognizing these risks can help you focus on the areas in your home that need the most attention while you do spring maintenance.

2.      Step-By-Step Indoor Plumbing Inspection

Start your checklist with a thorough indoor inspection. Your inspection lays the foundation for repairs and replacements that need to be made later.

• Find indoor plumbing issues. Check all visible pipes and joints in basements, utility rooms, and under sinks. Look for stains, cracks, rust, and corrosion. These are signs that the pipes or joints are worn out or leaking.

Keep your ears open for quietly dripping water, which could indicate a leak behind a wall or under a floor.
Check the pipes in the cold areas of your home to ensure they are still fully insulated. If they are not, they will be vulnerable to the early temperature swings of spring.

• Assess your water heater’s performance. Drain the tank of your water heater to remove sediment buildup. Check for rust and leaks, which could mean the tank needs repairs. If the water heater makes popping or rumbling sounds even after you flush the sediment, you should have a professional inspection.

• Evaluate faucets and fixtures. Test your home’s water pressure to ensure it is between 40-60 PSI. If you experience low pressure, there may be a blockage or leak. You should also check all your faucets for drips. Even if a faucet leaks one drop a minute, this can add up quickly in wastage and on your water bill. Keep your showerheads clean by soaking them in vinegar. This can help dissolve mineral deposits, ensuring the fixtures work properly.

• Toilet and drainage health. Don’t forget to check all the toilets in your home for leaks. If you add food coloring to a toilet tank and it appears in the bowl after at least 30 minutes, the toilet has a leak.

3.      Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing

Your Crown Point home’s outdoor plumbing is exposed to harsh winter temperatures. This makes them particularly vulnerable when the weather warms up.

Protect your outdoor fixtures by:

• Inspecting faucets and hose bibs for damage, leaks, and cracks.
• Testing the water flow. Open each faucet to check that the water flows smoothly.
• Securing all connections. All hose bibs must be tightly secured to prevent water wastage.
• Examining sprinkler heads and looking for cracks or other damage.
• Testing each zone in your irrigation system. Uneven water flow may indicate damage or a blockage.
• Cleaning out your home’s gutters. Clear wet leaves and twigs that accumulated over the winter.
• Checking that your downspouts are properly aligned and do not cause water to pool around your house.

4.      Knowing When to Call the Professionals

You should be able to handle minor and routine maintenance tasks. However, some situations require professional intervention.

If you know the early warning signs of a serious plumbing problem, call a reliable plumber to protect your home from more damage. These signs include:

• More than one leak in your home
• Visible structural damage, including water stains and mold
• Odd sounds coming from your water heater or pipes
• Recurring drain clogs
• Unpleasant smells emanating from the drains.

For sustainable plumbing health, continue inspecting your plumbing several times a year and schedule professional inspections in the fall and spring. It is also important to upgrade aging plumbing components and improve insulation in your home when necessary.

Trust Summers PHC for Expert Plumbing Support

If you need peace of mind that your plumbing system won’t let you down this spring, partnering with Summers PHC is a smart choice. Our highly skilled team brings years of experience and expertise to each plumbing project. Whether you need a professional inspection or an emergency repair, we are here to help.

Call us at 219-797-6150 or book your required service online. Remember to check out our local specials, which are created for Crown Point homeowners.