Plumbing Spring Maintenance
Plumbing Spring Maintenance – A proactive approach that not only prevents unexpected disasters but also enhances efficiency, saving you time and money. After months of harsh weather, your pipes, fixtures, and appliances could use some extra attention to ensure smooth sailing through the season.
SPRING SERVICE CHECKLIST
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.
Homeowner's Plumbing Spring Maintenance Checklist
To prepare your plumbing for spring, check for leaks in toilets, faucets, and pipes, test your sump pump, inspect outdoor plumbing, and ensure your water heater is functioning properly.
Inside Your Home
Check for Leaks:
- Inspect toilets for leaks (using the food colouring test).
- Check faucets and pipes for drips or signs of moisture.
- Visually inspect pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and under sinks for leaks and corrosion.
Water Heater:
- Ensure the water heater is functioning correctly.
- Check for leaks and staining around and on water heater.
- Flush your water heater annually to prevent sediment build up, expands the life of the water heater.
Sump Pump:
- Test the sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
- Pour water into the sump pit and observe if the pump activates, drains the water, and deactivates.
- Check exterior discharge piping to make sure there are no blockages and the fittings and pipes are free of damage.
Drains:
- Check for slow drains in sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Try flushing slow drains with a mix of vinegar and hot water.
- Refill basement floor drains with a cup or two of water to ensure proper flow and to prevent sewer gas from entering the home.
Appliances:
- Check for leaks around dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators.
- Inspect hoses for bulges, cracks, or discoloration.
Water Quality:
- Check check to see if R.O. filters need to be changed.
- Check whole home filtration systems.
- Confirm water softener salt levels
Water Pressure:
- Test water pressure to ensure it’s within the normal range.
Outside Your Home
Outdoor Plumbing:
- Check inside home for leaks when you turn your outside spigots on (possible burst pipes).
- Inspect garden hoses for splits, cracks, and loose connections.
Gutters & Downspouts:
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage.
- Extent downspouts and ensure they direct away from your foundation.
- Inspect for cracks or damage.
- Ensure proper grading.
Address Yard Drainage:
- Check for pooling.
- Consider dry creek beds or channel drains.
- Replace hardscape materials with crushed gravel or pea gravel.
Patio Drains:
- Ensure patio drains are clear and water flows through them properly.
Sprinkler Systems:
- Flush and check for leaks in your sprinkler system.
Remove Temporary Insulation:
- Remove temporary insulation like pipe jackets and faucet covers.
SPRING SERVICE CHECKLIST
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.