Get Your Spring Plumbing Maintenance Right This Year

In Ohio, spring officially starts on March 20 every year. However, the warmer weather is already observed starting February 2025, so it’s nearly time for spring plumbing maintenance.

When the snow starts melting, and temperatures rise, you may discover that winter has damaged parts of your plumbing system. This means leaks in the walls, cracked pipes, and sediment buildup.

Fortunately, armed with a simple checklist, you can find all possible issues and hire a reliable plumber to help you fix them.

The following guide will show you what to add to your maintenance checklist so your plumbing remains reliable all year round.

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1.      Start With a Thorough System Check

The best way to kickstart your maintenance process is with a thorough inspection of your indoor plumbing. You want to do this systematically so you’ll find all the minor and major issues.

This means walking through your home, checking pipes, and listening for unusual sounds. Look for visible cracks or corrosion on pipes, indicating weaknesses or damage.

If you hear gurgling sounds coming from the direction of hidden pipes, you may have a leak under the floor inside a wall. In most cases, you would need a plumber to investigate these sounds further and devise a solution.

2.      Move on to the Water Heater

Your water heater is an important appliance. If it stops working properly, sediment buildup or leaks may affect the unit. Drain and flush the tank to improve performance and extend the heater’s lifespan.

Examine the base for excess moisture or rust. If you find leaks early enough, you can prevent extensive water damage.

If your water heater has stopped working or consistently makes odd noises, you should consider replacing it with a new model.

3.      Test the Functionality of Your Fixtures

When you finish maintaining the water heater, move on to fixtures and your toilets. Start by testing the water pressure using the appropriate gauge. If your water pressure is too low, a blockage may prevent the water from flowing freely.

If your home has dripping faucets, check whether they need new washers. If replacing the washers did not solve the issue, you should call a local plumber for assistance.

If you leave faucets to drip, it can cause a lot of hidden damage over time. It will also chase up your water bill.

You also need to check your toilets for leaks. If you add food dye to the tank and it appears in the bowl after half an hour, the toilet likely has a slow leak.

4.      Outdoor Plumbing Preparations

Your checklist does not end with fixing a slow leak affecting your toilet. You must include your outdoor plumbing fixtures on the list.

For instance, check whether your outdoor faucets and hose bibs are damage-free after winter. If they look worse, check for wear, cracks, and leaks. You also want to ensure the connections and seals are still in good condition.

If you do not have insulated covers for your outdoor fixtures, now is the time to invest in them. After the summer starts to fade, you can use them to protect your outdoor plumbing from freezing.

Remember to inspect your irrigation system for broken sprinkler heads or leaking valves. This type of damage usually happens because of freezing temperatures as well.

5.      Clean Gutters and Downspouts

As you work from indoors to outside your home, pay special attention to your gutters and downspouts. If the gutters are debris-filled, clear them out first and then run clean water through them.

The water will help pinpoint cracks, gaps, and misalignment. These issues can cause water to accumulate around your house, leading to basement flooding.

Your downspouts should extend five feet from your home to direct the water away from the structure.

Consider Plumbing Technology

If you want to make your maintenance checklist more efficient, use the latest plumbing technology. For instance, a smart leak detector can detect small leaks and alert your phone. This gives you enough time to fix them before they become big problems.

It is also worthwhile to consider replacing old appliances and fixtures with energy-efficient models. This means upgrading your water heater and replacing old faucets, showerheads, and toilets with water-saving alternatives.

Bonus Maintenance Tips for Proactive Dayton Homeowners

If you enjoy hands-on maintenance, add these extra tasks to your list. This will keep your plumbing system in excellent condition between professional plumbing inspections.

• Check your home’s plumbing once a month.
• Clean your fixtures, including aerators, sink drains, and showerheads, with a vinegar solution regularly.
• Test your home’s water pressure at least monthly to find potential blockages.
• Re-insulate exposed pipes even if the winter is a few months away.
• Examine the seals around sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. Replace worn or damaged caulking to prevent water damage.

These are simple ways to prevent major repairs down the line.

Connect With Summers PHC for Professional Guidance

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers reliable services to keep your home’s plumbing in excellent condition. We understand the unique challenges that Dayton homes may present and have the solution to suit yours. We are your go-to partner for all plumbing requirements.

To find out more, call 937-400-3920 or book a service online. While on our website, why not check out our local specials, too?