How to Get the Plumbing of Your New Albany Home Spring-Ready

Spring has arrived in New Albany, and everything looks greener than ever. Everything except your home’s plumbing, that is.

Now that the winter chill has finally receded, you may notice the damage caused by severe freeze-thaw cycles and other fixture/pipe stresses.

Fortunately, a thorough spring plumbing maintenance routine will help you catch any issues early enough to fix them. This routine will ensure you have a fully functioning plumbing system in the warmer months when you use more water.

It will also save you money by allowing you to avoid costly repairs later on.

Ready to get your plumbing in tip-top shape for the new season? Summers PHC can help. We offer expert inspection, maintenance, repair, and installation services for all New Albany homes. Take advantage of our local specials and pay only $59 for a thorough water heater flush and plumbing inspection! Hurry! This is a limited-time offer.

Assessing Your Plumbing After Winter

New Albany gets very cold in winter. These extreme temperatures can cause the water in your pipes to freeze. When water freezes, it expands, so your pipes can crack or even burst.

Early spring can still bring unexpected frost or heavy rains. Before this happens, check your pipes for damage.

Walk around your home and check the pipes under sinks or near water heaters. Remember to check all other exposed pipes as well. Look for signs of pooling water on the floor, water stains, or pipe corrosion.

While you’re at it, look for signs of mold and mildew. If there is a leak in your home, you may notice mold growth near plumbing fixtures.

Even if you find nothing out of the ordinary, make some time to listen for gurgling or dripping sounds behind walls. If you hear this while all the faucets are closed, it likely indicates a hidden leak.

This initial assessment can help you find and identify potential plumbing issues before they worsen.

Flushing Your Water Heater

You need a well-maintained water heater to continue having hot water in your home. During winter, when your water heater is in constant use, sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. If this is not removed, it will reduce the appliance’s efficiency and even shorten its lifespan. You should flush your water heater to eliminate the sediment and ensure the unit works properly.

If you have an electric water heater, switch it off at the circuit breaker. If you have a gas-fueled unit, turn the thermostat to pilot mode. Attack a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other side to a drain.

Open a hot water faucet to allow the water to flow smoothly. Keep the water running until it appears clear. Once you have drained the tank, close the water valve, remove the hose, and turn the water back on. Let the tank refill before you restore the power or gas.

Consider flushing your heater every six months to prevent hard sediment buildup that may become challenging to remove.

Checking and Testing Your Sump Pump

New Albany may see heavy rains in the spring that could lead to basement flooding. If you have a sump pump in your home, now is the best time to check if it still works.

Test your pump by slowing down and adding a buck of water into the pit. Check that the pump activates and discharges the water. It should also shut off again once the pit is empty.

Continue your plumbing maintenance inspection by checking the pump and discharge line for wear, rust, and blockages. You don’t want to overlook this part of your maintenance list, as it could result in water damage in your basement.

Inspecting Faucets, Drains, and Fixtures

If leaks are around your home’s drains and faucets, you will likely pay more for your water bill. It can also result in significant damage over time.

During your spring maintenance process, check for:

• Drips around faucet bases, handles, and spouts
• Leaks around toilet bases or inside tanks
• Mineral deposits in aerators and showerheads

It is crucial to get leaks fixed as soon as possible. To dissolve harmful buildup, soak aerators and showerheads in vinegar overnight.

Minor repairs and regular cleaning will keep your fixtures operating longer, saving you money.

Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance

Spring in New Albany also means getting back into gardening. You must water your garden often, especially when it heats up into summer. If your outdoor plumbing is in bad shape, you will find this hard to do.

Inspect your outdoor faucets and spigots for cracks and leaks. Focus on unprotected fixtures (no covers or insulation) during winter.

Take care to examine your garden hoses and irrigation systems. Look for cracks and leaks and ensure your sprinkler system is functioning properly. If you find extensive damage, replace the hoses and have a plumber examine your irrigation system.

Remember to clean your gutters and downspouts thoroughly as soon as spring arrives. You want to remove blockages that could pool water around your home’s foundation. You can prevent this from happening by clearing out leaves and other debris. Also, run water through the gutters and spouts to ensure everything works.

Preventative Measures for New Albany Homeowners

You can keep your plumbing system healthy throughout the year by being proactive about maintenance.

Consider installing a smart leak detector that immediately alerts you to minor leaks. Use a water pressure gauge to check your home’s water pressure regularly. You may also want to consider using water softeners to reduce the mineral deposits in your fixtures.

Summers PHC Can Help You Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly

Whether you need an emergency repair for your New Albany home or advice on maintaining your plumbing, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling is ready to help.

Call us at 812-944-3969 or book your required service online. Remember to check out our local service specials.