Don’t Skip These Plumbing Maintenance Steps This Spring

Illinois homeowners welcome the spring with open arms because it is the best time to maintain and fix their plumbing systems. Your plumbing pipes and fixtures endure freezing temperatures all winter long, which makes them likely to become damaged.

If you take the necessary maintenance steps at the beginning of spring, you can detect and fix minor issues before they cost you a lot of money.

The following guidelines will show you which steps you should never ignore while doing a DIY inspection and minor maintenance on your plumbing system.

Schedule a professional plumbing inspection with Summers PHC to catch plumbing issues early and keep your home running smoothly. Take advantage of our local specials, including drain cleaning for only $99, or get a FREE plumbing service call with any paid repair. (Limited-time offer)

Why You Should Never Neglect Spring Plumbing Maintenance

If you do not inspect and maintain your plumbing system after a long winter, you will miss crucial signs of failure. Freezing temperatures tend to result in cracked pipes and hidden leaks. These minor issues can turn into an expensive plumbing emergency if left unchecked.

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your plumbing system while improving water efficiency. This alone will significantly reduce the risk of an unexpected failure.

Essential Spring Plumbing Maintenance Steps

Whether you start indoors or outdoors, your plumbing maintenance checklist should include a thorough walk-through and emphasize focus on the most vulnerable areas of your home.

Finding Leaks and Drips

Persistent leaks and drips can happen inside and outside of your home. You want to start your inspection by checking all visible pipes, especially those in cold areas of your home and under the sinks.

Look for damp spots, mold growth, and water stains. These are all common indicators of leaks. If a leak has progressed to the point of staining and mold, you would likely need to contact a plumber to get it fixed. If you try to repair it yourself, the problem might escalate anyway.

Test Your Sump Pump

Illinois, including Glendale Heights, gets a lot of rain during the spring. You need a properly functioning sump pump if you want your basement and home foundation to stay dry during storms.

Test your pump by adding water to the pit and checking whether it switches on. Everything is in order if the pump is activated and the water is removed. If the pump is slow to respond or does not remove the water, you should have it serviced or potentially replaced.

Flush and Inspect Your Water Heater

During winter, sediment will inevitably build up in your water heater. If you do not remove the sediment, your heater will not function optimally and may break down.

Inspect your water heater at the start of spring and flush the tank to remove mineral deposits. Check the temperature setting so that it remains at 120°F.

If you take these steps and the water heater still does not work properly, contact a plumber for advice.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is not a job anyone looks forward to. But it has to be done to ensure water does not pool around your home. Once a gutter or downspout becomes clogged with leaves and twigs, it cannot direct the water from your foundation. This can result in extensive damage that will cost a lot to repair.

Check Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

When it’s freezing outside, outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems may become damaged if they are not protected. Turn on outdoor spigots to check for low water pressure or leaks when the weather is warmer. If you find any issues, a plumber can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs.

You should have the repairs done before spring turns into summer and you use more water outdoors.

Check your sprinkler heads and zones for efficiency as well. If anything seems off or you notice broken components, your local plumber can assess and fix the problem.

Ensure Proper Drain Flow

If water flows too slowly from your drains, it may be due to a clog forming in the pipes. If the clog is not too severe, you may be able to break it up using a solution of hot water and vinegar.

Do not resort to using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they may end up damaging the pipes.

If slow drains persist, you likely need a professional drain cleaning to prevent or remove major blockages.

Examine Toilets and Indoor Faucets

Even though your toilets, bathroom taps, and showerheads are indoors, they are not immune to damage. Leaks in toilets and faucets can lead to water waste and increased water bills.

Check for leaks in toilet tanks using a simple food dye test. If you add a few drops of dye to the tank and it appears in the bowl after thirty minutes, you have a leak. If you have water pooling in front of your toilet, there may be a leak in the toilet base.

If your toilet keeps running, it can waste several gallons of water daily. Depending on the issue, you may need to install a new flapper or valve. If you cannot find the problem, wait for a plumber to inspect the toilet.

You should also inspect indoor fixtures for slow drips and low water flows. If your fixtures are old or outdated, installing aerators or switching to low-flow faucets may make a difference.

Again, if the cause of the low water pressure or dripping is not apparent, it is best to get help from a professional plumber.

Schedule Your Spring Plumbing Inspection Today

Even if you follow these steps, you still need a professional plumbing inspection at least twice a year. The team at Summers PHC is exceptionally skilled at finding overlooked or hidden plumbing issues and fixing them before they cause an emergency.

For more information on how we can help you, call 331-322-1021 or book a service online. Remember to check out our local service specials, too.