How to Keep Your Plumbing System Flowing Smoothly This Spring

Spring is a gorgeous season in Broad Ripple. But you won’t be able to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor fun if you struggle with plumbing problems. Creating a spring plumbing maintenance checklist is crucial to finding and fixing the damage done to your home system during winter.

The changes in seasons and temperatures can take a toll on all parts of your plumbing system, including pipes, outdoor fixtures, and drains. Fortunately, proactive maintenance will ensure your plumbing flows smoothly all season long.

Here is how you can prepare as a Broad Ripple homeowner.

Not sure when and how to start checking your plumbing for issues? We can do it for you! Experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can provide you with inspection, maintenance, repair, and installation services. We also have a short-term special that gets you a water heater safety inspection for only $59! Plus, you get a free service call with a paid repair. Hurry! Limited-time offer only. (Terms and conditions apply.)

General Plumbing Maintenance Tips

If you are new to DIY plumbing maintenance, you can start by trying these general tips.

One of the most important things to do is find leaks in exposed pipes. These typically appear in the basement or under sinks.

If you find minor leaks, you may be able to fix them yourself if you know how. If you have a major leak, it is best to contact a professional plumber.

Another easy maintenance tip is pouring a gallon of water into drains you don’t use very often. This will keep the trap filled with water and eliminate smells. If your property frequently gets sewer backups, you will want to install a backflow valve in your floor drain.

If you are still unsure what to look for, especially regarding leaks, consider installing a flood alarm. This nifty little device will alert you when a pipe springs a leak or there is flooding in your home.

Include Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures on the List

Don’t neglect to check your outdoor plumbing pipes and fixtures. You want to ensure your gutters, downspouts, and drains are free of wet winter debris. Running clean water through your spouts should direct the water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation.

It is also essential to check that your outdoor faucets and hose bibs run smoothly, especially if they are frozen during winter. If there are indoor leaks or dripping water when you turn on the hose, a pipe has likely cracked.

Check Every Room in Your Broad Ripple Home

Whether you are looking for leaks or want to unclog drains, you should do so in every room in your home. In your kitchen and bathroom, you should look for leaks and drips.

Bathroom drains can easily become clogged. Once you unclog them, place strainers in them to catch debris. Keep in mind that you should only unclog minor blockages yourself. If a blockage is stubborn, you should contact a plumber.

You should also check your toilets for leaks. Do the food dye test if you can’t find obvious cracks or leaks. Add six drops of brightly colored dye to your toilet tank. If the dye appears in the bowl after half an hour, there is a leak somewhere.

While checking kitchens and bathrooms, close and open the water supply valves in each of them. If they are not working properly or are stuck, you will need a plumber to fix them.

Drain Your Water Heater

Your water heater should also get some attention during springtime. Drain the water from your heater to eliminate sediment that may have built up inside the tank. Test the temperature setting to ensure it is still correct.

If your water heater is between 10 and 15 years old and is less efficient, consider replacing it.

Examine Your Sump Pump

You want your sump pump to work properly along with the rest of your plumbing system. Sump pumps drain water that floods into your basement.

Spring rains can lead to flash flooding in Broad Ripple, so you should test your sump pump at least once every year. Pour around five gallons of water into the unit and check that it turns on automatically. Also, check that it is draining the water efficiently.

If the pump works well, give it a once-over on the outside to check for rust or corrosion. If the pump does not work properly and you notice damage on the outside, call a plumber for assistance.

Reducing Water Waste in Spring

Your household will inevitably use more water as the temperatures rise. If your plumbing system is well-maintained, you can prevent expensive repairs and reduce water waste.

Follow these simple steps to ensure you only use as much water as you need to:

• Fix dripping faucets fast. Small leaks are not harmless and can make a big difference in your utility bill over time.
• Consider upgrading to low-flow fixtures. Investing in these fixtures for your showers and toilets will help you conserve water.
• Use rain barrels to collect water for gardens and landscaping.

When to Hire a Plumber

Some inspection and maintenance tasks are easier than others. A professional plumber should repair or replace the ones you cannot handle.

Any of the following issues warrant a call to your local plumbing company:

• Persistent low water pressure in more than one faucet
• Increasingly high water bill
• Water discoloration or strange unexplained smells from drains
• Unusual noises from plumbing pipes or the water heater

Summers PHC Can Get Your Broad Ripple Home Spring-Ready

Ensure your home’s plumbing system is ready for the warmer months with expert services from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our skilled team can handle inspections, repairs, and upgrades.

Call 317-747-2971 for more information or book a service online. Don’t forget to check out our exclusive local specials for the Broad Ripple community.