Top Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Elkhart Homeowners

Spring in Elkhart brings a welcome change from the chilly weather. But it can also reveal hidden plumbing issues that could give you more than a few headaches. You may discover weakened pipes, outdoor fixture damage, or excessive sediment buildup in your water heater.

Addressing these issues promptly will help you avoid expensive repairs and even replacements later.

The following spring plumbing maintenance checklist contains practical tips for Elkhart homeowners to ensure their plumbing systems are ready, come rain or shine, in the spring season.

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Uncovering Hidden Plumbing Damage

Your plumbing may show signs of stress after a long winter of freezing and fluctuating temperatures. These issues will become visible when the ice eventually melts.

Some of the signs of winter damage include:

• Pipe deterioration. Even if you don’t have a burst pipe, the frigid conditions may have weakened joints or caused micro-cracks. Check the exposed pipes in your basement and crawl spaces for signs of discoloration and leaks. You should also check the pipes under your sinks for signs of damage.
• Fixture issues. Your home’s faucets, showerheads, and valves also suffer from prolonged exposure to low temperatures. While checking items off your maintenance checklist, note any loose fittings, drips, and decreased water flow.
• Sediment buildup. Sediment builds up faster in your water heater tank the more you use it. If your water heater works overtime in the cold months, it will likely be less efficient and could overheat because of the buildup.

Why Early Detection Matters

If you find the above issues early enough, you can prevent them from escalating into major, expensive repairs. A timely spring inspection of your important plumbing components can save you money on your water bill and help you avoid water waste.

Revamping Your Home’s Plumbing System

Your plumbing maintenance checklist should start with you inspecting the inside of your Elkhart home. Look for pipe damage in the colder areas of your home.

You should also ensure that these pipes are still properly insulated. If not, they will be much more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

Cleaning Your Water Heater and Fixtures

Draining the tank can prevent sediment from further damaging your water heater. Doing this will improve efficiency and may even extend the unit’s lifespan.

However, if you notice unexplained sounds coming from the heater, you should have it evaluated by a professional. A local plumber can advise you on repairing or replacing the water heater.

You should also keep your faucets and showerheads clean. Remove or unscrew aerators and showerheads throughout your Elkhart home to clear out harmful mineral deposits. In most instances, soaking these parts in vinegar should do the trick.

Testing Toilet Performance

Your toilet can also sustain damage without you noticing. You can test for a toilet leak by adding a few drops of food dye into the tank. If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, it indicates a slow leak.

Slow leaks in toilets should be repaired as soon as possible, as they can grow larger relatively quickly. A worn flush valve in the bottom of the tank often causes slow leaks. When this valve does not close properly after flushing, water leaks into the bowl.

It is a relatively easy fix, but if you suspect a larger problem like water damage to the floor or walls, you should call a professional plumber for help. Water damage typically happens when the leak extends to the back of the tank or behind the wall.

Keeping Your Basement Dry

You may not think about your basement every day. But, when it starts to rain during spring, you may worry about your basement flooding.

Your sump pump should take care of any excess water. However, if the pump does not work properly, it may not be able to drain the water fast enough.

Test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit. Doing this will trigger the pump. Check whether the pump activates and discharges the water.

You should also inspect the discharge line for obstructions. Remove whatever blockages you see, and clean the sump pit by flushing out sediment.

If you have a backup battery for your sump pump, ensure it is charged and works properly. You want to be ready in case the power trips during a storm.

Protecting External Plumbing Components

Your outdoor plumbing fixtures are directly exposed to the elements. If they are not insulated, the cold will likely damage them.

Check your outdoor faucets by opening each and confirming a smooth water flow. Inspect the faucets and hose bibs for cracks or small leaks.

It is important to include your sprinkler system in your maintenance process. Run each zone of the system to check for erratic performance. Look for signs of cracks or wear in the pipes and valves.

Do not neglect your gutters and downspouts. Heavy leaf and debris buildup in gutters can cause them to weaken or even crack. Ensure your gutters are securely fastened and clear out the debris. Also, check that your downspouts direct water 5 feet away from your Elkhart home’s foundation.

Embrace a Stress-Free Spring With Summers PHC

If you want to enjoy the warmer weather without stressing over plumbing problems, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling is here to help. We have the tools and expertise to complete the job and are committed to providing quality service to our Elkhart clients.

To learn more about our services, call 574-203-9147 or book a service online. We also extend local specials that our Elkhart customers can take advantage of.