All the Maintenance Tips You Need to Keep Your Plumbing in Top Shape This Spring

Spring is on the way again in Lafayette, ending a long cold winter. Unfortunately, as a homeowner, you cannot truly shake off the winter blues until you have checked your house for plumbing damage.

Plumbing issues tend to quietly crop up during the cold months when you are not paying as much attention. Then, when the ice thaws in the spring, everything seems to go wrong at once.

If your plumbing pipes are already on the older side, you should take extra steps to inspect and maintain them in the spring. Be proactive about minor plumbing problems so you can avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs.

Ready to secure your plumbing for the spring rains and warmer weather? Contact Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling to schedule a thorough inspection, professional maintenance, or the required replacements. Enjoy some of our incredible specials, including paying only $59 for a water heater safety inspection. You also get a FREE plumbing service call with a paid repair.

Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Is a Crucial Part of Protecting Your Lafayette Home

The transition from winter to spring is more than just an abrupt change in weather. It is the best time to assess the health of your home’s plumbing system. During winter, your pipes may continue to freeze and then thaw.

This causes stress on the pipes, leading to fractures and leaks. You will only see this damage when the ice completely melts.

When you address issues like this as soon as possible, you protect your investment (your house) while prolonging the lifespan of your most important plumbing components.

Best Benefits of Spring Maintenance

If you make the effort to do simple maintenance during spring, you may avoid expensive emergency repairs later on. Moreover, if your plumbing system is well maintained, you reduce water waste on your property. You will then pay less on your water bills.

A proper maintenance strategy can also prevent slow building water damage that results in mold growth. Spring maintenance may sound like a complicated undertaking, but it is easy to do with a structured checklist.

Inspect Your Indoor Plumbing

An indoor inspection of your plumbing system is the foundation of effective maintenance. A thorough plumbing inspection is especially important if you live in an older home with aging pipes.

You can start by walking through each room and looking for signs of damage to visible pipes. You may notice cracks and stains on the pipes and nearby walls.

You may also hear dripping coming from inside the walls or floors. This usually indicates a hidden leak. If you suspect such a leak, contact a professional plumber to continue the inspection and suggest a fix.

Check Your Water Heater for Efficiency

Your water heater cannot continue working optimally if it is never maintained. You should drain the water and flush the tank to remove sediment. You should also check for rust or leaks, which could indicate internal issues.

If your water heater is old and making strange sounds, ask your plumber whether you should repair or replace it.

Revive Your Indoor Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures can deteriorate so slowly that you may not notice it until something breaks.

To prevent this from happening, follow these simple steps:

• Test your water pressure regularly. If one or more faucets have a slow water flow, a clog or leak must be sorted out.
• Clean aerators and showerheads. Soaking these fixtures in vinegar will help remove mineral deposits. Sometimes, this is all that is needed to restore a strong water flow.
• Examine toilets for cracks and leaks. You should check for leaks around the toilet base and in the tank. If water accumulates on the floor in front of the toilet, there may be a leak in the base. If you add food coloring to the tank and it seeps into the bowl, you have a slow leak inside the toilet.

If you find any of these issues while inspecting your Lafayette home, you should have them fixed as soon as possible. In some instances, DIY maintenance may be all that is required. But, for persistent plumbing problems, you should get a professional to help you.

Ensure Your Sump Pump Works

Spring brings a lot of rain, which means your basement is at risk of flooding. Check that your sump pump works properly to prevent this from happening. Pour water into the sump pit to see if it triggers the pump. If it does, the pump should dispel the water fast.

If the pump does not activate, ensure the discharge line is clear of obstructions. Call a plumber if it still does not work after cleaning the line.

Essential Outdoor Plumbing Checks

Include your outdoor plumbing fixtures in your maintenance checklist. Examine outdoor faucets and bibs for damage. Test the water flow by opening one faucet at a time. Replace damaged fixtures with weather-resistant models if possible.

Inspect your irrigation system by checking the valves and pipes for cracks and blockages. Also, ensure the water flows evenly through each sprinkler head.

Lastly, clear blockages and debris from your home’s gutters and downspouts. If your downspouts are misaligned for whatever reason, you need professional assistance. Downspouts must be properly aligned and extend at least 5 feet away from your home so that water does not pool around the foundation.

When to Call a Plumber

Some maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, but serious plumbing issues require professional expertise. Do not try to fix large plumbing problems on your own. You will likely worsen the issue and have to pay more to fix it.

Secure Your Lafayette Home’s Plumbing System With Summers PHC

Professional support can make all the difference to keep your plumbing in top shape. The Summers PHC team offers local expertise, advanced technology, and a consistent commitment to exceptional service.

To find out how we can help you, contact 765-310-3076 or book a service online. Don’t forget to check out our amazing local specials.