It’s time to put away the sweaters and mittens! It’s also time to make sure that your plumbing is primed and ready for spring:
- Check under your sinks for leaks: Look for signs of pooling water or damp floors. At the same time, closely inspect your supply of drain cleaners and scrubbing liquids, ensuring there are no loose caps, cracks or corrosion. These substances are caustic and can cause harm if they are in contact with your pipes.
- Check all indoor faucets and connectors. Turn the faucets and related shutoff valves to be sure they operate smoothly. Try the hot and cold water faucets separately and be on the alert for low water pressure, which may be a sign of a leaky line somewhere.
- Check your toilets by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water tank. If you start to see the food coloring in the bowl after several minutes, you need to replace the flapper.
- Take a close look at your water heater and consider having it flushed and checked. If you raised the water temperature over the winter, lower it again.
- Inspect any exposed pipes that run along the inside walls of your house for signs of leaks or damage. Unwrap insulation to inspect those pipes for mold or dampness and, if they are in good repair, rewrap them to protect against unexpected cold snaps. Outside, be on the alert for unusually green or mossy areas near pipes, which can be a sign of a leak.
- Trees and shrubs sprout new leaves and new roots in springtime, which may impede the flow of wastewater to your public sewer system. If you have noticed that water drains more slowly throughout your home, now is the time to schedule a drain check and repair, if necessary.
- Restore water flow to your outdoor faucets. Make sure the faucets turn off and on easily, and are free of leaks—you may need to replace a washer.
- Reattach your hoses, and check to make sure they don’t have any cracks or leaks. If you have an irrigation system, get it checked and primed.
- Make sure your gutters are clean. Debris piles up over the winter and some trees drop large quantities of flowers and seeds/keys in early spring, which can result in blocked eaves and downspouts and lead to flooding. Also, be sure that the soil around your foundation is graded properly, to ensure that excess water flows away from the house.
- If your home uses a septic tank system, walk around the area where the tank is stored. Any suspicious water puddles or wet spots should be assessed.
- If you have a sump pump, pour water into the pit and observe the pump for a full cycle. If it fails to turn on or drain the water, you need to contact your plumber.
Your spring checkup may reveal areas that just need minor ‘tweaks’ before you roll out the barbecue, but it may also alert you to larger or impending issues that you or your plumber can address before they ruin your summer!
