Prevent Plumbing Issues Before They Start With This Spring Maintenance Guide

When spring comes to Illinois, many homeowners opt to spring clean every aspect of their houses. However, some neglect to include plumbing maintenance in this process.

If you own a home in Yorkville, the fluctuating temperatures in winter may have caused havoc on your plumbing system. You won’t know the extent of the damage until you inspect your indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures and pipes.

This guide provides a starting point for spring maintenance. Following the steps will help you identify and fix minor issues. It will also prompt you to call a professional plumber for major problems.

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Why Proactive Plumbing Maintenance Matters

You may not experience the switch from winter to spring as “dramatic,” but it can be for your plumbing system. On top of the freeze-thaw cycle during winter, an abrupt change to warmer weather can put too much stress on your pipes.

This means the pipes may become weak or crack. If a pipe cracks in winter, you will likely only see it during the spring when the ice thaws.

It is crucial to inspect every area of your home in early spring to ensure you catch cracks and leaks before they cause major, expensive damage.

Your outdoor fixtures are not exempt from inspection either. You must include them on your checklist to catch issues before they escalate.

Knowing what challenges to expect will make it easier to know what to look for and when to repair or call a plumber.

Make Your Outdoor Plumbing Weather-Resistant

If you want to do the easier part of your maintenance checklist, you could start by checking your outdoor plumbing components.

Examine each hose bib and outdoor faucet for signs of freeze damage. If you notice cracks or warped and bent fittings, you may likely have a leak.

You can open the faucets to check for leaks, but do so gradually. If you open them too wide and fast, you may miss a pressure drop, indicating a leak.

You should ask a plumber for advice if you have several problems with your outdoor faucets and bibs. A local plumber will be able to determine whether it is best to repair these components or replace them with insulated models.

If you have a sprinkler system, you need to update the settings for the warmer weather. This will help you save water and potentially lower your water bill.

However, do not update the settings before you have checked for damage. Activate each sprinkler zone and look for dips in water distribution. If each sprinkler head does not distribute water consistently, the system may have a leak or clog.

Lastly, you must ensure your gutters and downspouts are debris and clog-free. If you do not remove wet leaves and twigs, they will eventually spill into the downspouts, where they can get stuck.

You should also have any sagging or cracked sections of your gutters fixed before they break. It is usually easier (and less expensive) to properly maintain your gutters when they have minor problems.

Uncovering Hidden Damage Indoors

Once done outside, you can turn your attention indoors. Here, you want to walk through each room and look for damp spots, brown stains on the walls or ceiling, and rust patches. These all indicate hidden leaks.

You may want to hire someone to use infrared to pick up temperature dips behind walls and floors. This can help confirm leaks or find areas with poor insulation.

Another way to find hidden leaks is to listen for soft hissing or dripping sounds. These are all potentially serious issues that should be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Check Appliances for Efficiency

It is crucial to check your water heater and sump pump for efficiency in the spring. You should check them more than once yearly to ensure they continue working properly.

Drain your water heater to help flush out accumulated sediment. Sometimes, this is all you need to do to get the unit working again. Flushing it regularly can also help extend the lifespan of the heater.

But, if you notice moisture, rust, or corrosion, a leak may need urgent repair. You should also get a plumber to assist you if your water heater makes strange noises.

Your sump pump helps remove melted snow and flood waters from your basement. You can check whether the pump works by pouring water into the pit. If the pump kicks in and removes the water, it most likely works fine.

If the pump does not switch on, check for power supply issues or whether the float switch is malfunctioning.

If the pump switches on but is slow to remove the water, check for debris and blockages in the sump pit and discharge line.

It is important to hire a plumber to inspect the pump if it keeps failing after you clean out the pit and line.

Your Personalized Action Plan in a Nutshell

If the above information seems too overwhelming, keep the following in mind:

• Check indoor and outdoor fixtures and pipes.
• Prioritize vulnerable areas such as basements and utility rooms.
• Test critical systems like your water heater and sump pump regularly.
• Upgrade to smart technology and fixtures where possible.
• Establish a spring maintenance routine.
• Schedule a professional plumbing inspection twice a year.

Summers PHC Can Assist You With Proactive Maintenance

Proactive plumbing maintenance can help you ensure water efficiency in your Yorkville home. Summers PHC will identify minor and major plumbing issues and make repairs or replacements when necessary.

To tap our full range of services, call 630-409-0188 or book a service online. Remember to take advantage of our local service specials.