Top Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Here in Durham Region, our winters can be long and tough. Along with packing up your winter clothes and doing your spring cleaning, this season is a great time to give some attention to one of the unsung heroes of your home, and one for which the cold season can be particularly taxing: your plumbing system.
This drastic temperature change can affect your pipes, water heater, and more, making maintenance crucial to avoid future problems. Follow Caldwell Plumbing’s spring plumbing maintenance tips and make the transition out of winter and into spring a smooth one!
The Importance of Proactive Plumbing Maintenance
Waiting for a plumbing issue to arise before taking action can often lead to emergencies that are both stressful and costly. Proactive maintenance as the seasons change can spot these problems earlier, giving you a chance to preserve your plumbing’s longevity and efficiency. By taking care of your plumbing now, you can improve its performance, extend its life, and prevent potential water damage before it starts.
Key Plumbing Maintenance Tips for the Spring
Your plumbing may have gone through a lot over the winter. Follow these plumbing system maintenance tips to keep everything working as it should.
Examine Plumbing Fixtures for Leaks: To spot leaks, look for drips or mould near fixtures. Tighten connections or replace washers to fix leaks. Even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of water and could lead to extensive damage.
Water Heater Maintenance: Boost your water heater’s efficiency by flushing out sediment, which can be done by attaching a hose to the tank’s drain valve. Check for corrosion or leaks around the tank. If maintenance tasks seem daunting, consider contacting Caldwell Plumbing for professional hot water tank servicing.
Water Pressure Check: Measure your home’s water pressure with a gauge attached to an outside spigot; it should be between 40-60 psi. Signs of trouble include sudden drops in pressure or banging pipes, which could mean it’s time for a plumber to check for clogs or leaks.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance Tips
It’s finally time to enjoy the weather, start up the garden and get the yard looking great again. Here are some outdoor plumbing maintenance tips to set you up for the summer!
Securing Outdoor Pipes: Weather in Durham Region can be unpredictable, and a sudden freeze can damage unprotected systems. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation foam or install frost-proof outdoor faucets to prevent freezing during unexpected cold snaps.
Garden Hose Care: Check hoses for splits or cracks that could have occurred over the winter and replace washers if leaks are found at connections. To prolong their life, drain hoses after use and store them coiled and flat in a shed or garage.
Irrigation System Maintenance Check: Before you start regularly watering your garden, give your irrigation system a thorough inspection. Turn it on to check each sprinkler head for proper operation and look for areas of excessive water pooling which could indicate a leak in the system.
Advanced Plumbing Maintenance Techniques
Some of our spring plumbing maintenance tips are easily followed by homeowners who enjoy DIY, but others may be better left to the professionals. Depending on your confidence and experience, you may be able to address these areas yourself.
Hard Water Problems: Install a water softener system to remove mineral buildup, which can improve water flow and appliance efficiency. Vinegar can be used to easily descale faucets and showerheads affected by hard water.
Assessing Faucet Aerators: Remove aerators from the tip of your faucets annually to clean out debris. If water flow is poor or the aerator is damaged, replace it to ensure optimal water efficiency and quality.
Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines: Keep an eye out for slow-draining sinks or toilets, which can be early signs of root intrusion. As tree or shrub roots grow in search of water, they can make their way into your exterior plumbing system. Our team can use drain camera inspections to identify and remove roots before they cause blockages or pipe damage.
DIY Plumbing Maintenance vs. Hiring Professionals
Not every plumbing task requires the help of a professional, but knowing which do is important. DIY repairs are satisfying and less expensive than hiring a professional plumber, but some issues require specialized tools and dedicated experience to reliably resolve. DIY fixes may only be temporary, and in many cases will need revisiting. You can trust the team of experts at Caldwell Plumbing to address issues after a long winter and keep your system running smoothly and your home safe all year round!
Put Our Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips into Action!
Our plumbing maintenance tips cover much more than just a seasonal check-up; if done right they can help set your home up for a stress-free season. Being proactive, attentive and knowing when to call the professionals at Caldwell Plumbing can save you time, money, and inconvenience.
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency later in the spring. Schedule a comprehensive spring plumbing inspection with Caldwell Plumbing today. Contact us today to get started and keep your plumbing system in peak condition all spring and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about our spring plumbing maintenance tips, the answers may be in the section below.
Can frost-proof faucets completely prevent freezing?
While frost-proof faucets greatly reduce the risk of freezing, it’s still important to detach hoses and drain them if you’re expecting freezing temperatures in the spring.
What signs indicate that I might have a sewer line issue due to root intrusion?
If you notice slow draining on your sinks and tub, frequent clogs, and gurgling noises coming from your toilet, these can all suggest root intrusion in your sewer lines and warrant a call to the experts.
When should I call a professional for plumbing maintenance?
If you encounter complex issues like persistent leaks, or signs of sewer line problems, or if your DIY maintenance doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional. The experience of our team of plumbers will help you ensure that your problem is solved for good.
