Avoid Costly Repairs With This Essential Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

When winter fades and gives way to spring, Muncie residents welcome the warmer temperatures. However, your plumbing system may not switch over as smoothly from freezing to milder days.

As a Muncie homeowner, you should take the right steps to protect your plumbing from seasonal shifts. A thorough plumbing inspection is essential to ensure your plumbing works well and has no leaks.

Prevent potential plumbing issues with professional maintenance from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling.  Get a discount of $75 on a sump pump battery backup or a $99 discount when you book a drain cleaning. Limited-time offer only!

Why You Cannot Ignore Spring Plumbing Maintenance

Every system in your house, including appliances, requires regular maintenance. It is no different for plumbing systems. When you get a professional inspection, a plumber can point out damaged and clogged drains, leaks, and other issues. A licensed plumber can also check your gas lines and all backup plumbing systems to ensure everything is in good working order.

If you neglect spring plumbing maintenance, you may not find potential issues until they are severe. This will cost you a lot of money to fix.

You should prioritize the following when doing a basic check on your own:

1.      Check for Winter Damage and Leaks

When winter temperatures plummet to below freezing, it can cause small cracks in plumbing pipes. These cracks may not be apparent until they thaw in warmer weather. This is also why springtime is the best time to check for damage.

Ideally, you want to:

• Inspect basement and crawl space pipes. Remember also to check the pipes that run under sinks, as they are susceptible to cracks and leaks.
• Check for discoloration on walls and ceilings. This typically indicates water damage.
• When you are not using water, check your water meter. If it still moves, there is likely a hidden leak somewhere.

2.      Clean Your Water Heater

Your water heater should also be checked and cleaned after winter. When sediment builds up in a heater, it can cause a breakdown. Take advantage of the warmer weather to flush the water heater and clear any sediment.

• Turn off the power or gas that fuels the unit
• Attach a hose to the drain valve to allow the water to run out
• Run more water through the tank until there is no more debris and dirt
• Fill the tank with clean water and turn the power back on

3.      Prepare Your Sump Pump for Rain

Spring and summer bring rain to Muncie, the wettest days being June. You can prepare your sump pump for these downpours by ensuring it can handle excess water.

• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. This will trigger activation so you can see if it works properly.
• Remove dirt buildup that may cause the pump to become inefficient
• If possible, install a backup battery to prevent failure should the power trip.

4.      Check Your Outdoor Plumbing

Many Muncie homeowners overlook their outdoor plumbing during an inspection. But, it is important to remember that your outdoor fixtures are vital to the health of your overall water system.

You must check hose bibs and faucets for any damage or cracks. If they are leaking, you should get them fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

While checking your outdoor plumbing, test your sprinklers to see if they still work. And replace all damaged garden hoses so you don’t waste water.

You should also inspect and clean your home’s drainage system. This includes gutters and downspouts. If these become clogged, they cannot direct water away from your house, which puts the structure at risk.

It is fairly easy to keep gutters and downspouts clean. First, you must ensure the downspouts direct the water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. Then, clear all dirt, leaves, and twigs from the gutters. Keep an eye out for any leaks or sagging sections. These need to be repaired quickly.

5.      Test All Drains for Underlying Issues

If you experience changes in your home’s water pressure or water does not drain fast enough, there may already be hidden plumbing problems.

Check your outdoor spigots with a pressure gauge to ensure they are within 40-60 PSI. Open more than one indoor tap to check whether the pressure drops in one or all.

You should also listen for strange noises, which may indicate an air pocket or blockage.

Call a Plumbing Expert for Assistance

While there are some things you can DIY, you must call a professional plumber for specific issues. For example, if your water bill shows an unexplained spike in usage or you have persistent leaks, a plumber can help.

The same goes for discovering a backed-up drain or smelling foul odors from your plumbing pipes. These are not issues you should try to fix on your own.

Furthermore, if there is irregular pressure in several fixtures or your water comes out brown, it is likely a problem only a plumber can fix.

Also, call your plumber if your sump pump keeps malfunctioning or if you believe your basement may flood.

Generally speaking, it is always best to hire an expert plumber familiar with Muncie’s common fixture and plumbing issues. A local plumber can help you inspect and maintain your plumbing so you can have peace of mind year-round.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling Is Muncie’s Trusted Plumbing Partner

You do not have to let plumbing issues derail your plans for the warmer season. You can easily stay on top of any plumbing problems with a professional inspection from Summers PHC.

Our Muncie team is ready to assist you with seasonal maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades during the spring and any other time of the year.

Do not let small issues become expensive repairs. Schedule your spring plumbing checkup by calling 765-444-6128 or booking your required service online. Remember to check out our local specials for the Muncie area.