Spring Plumbing Maintenance
Spring is a wonderful time of the year. Flowers begin to bloom, days get longer, new life begins, and homeowners love to tackle important home projects like spring cleaning. This is also the perfect time of year to do the annual plumbing maintenance.
The reason?
The cold winter often causes damage to the plumbing fixtures that typically go unnoticed until the warmer weather arrives. Plumbing issues become noticeable as the weather begins to warm up in spring. As such, spring is the best time to conduct a plumbing inspection.
Doing so can help protect your home against common plumbing issues (like leaking pipes), reduce water consumption, and lower your utility bills. But where should you start? Here are the essential aspects of your plumbing you should check in spring.
1. Check the Faucets and Fixtures
To start your spring plumbing maintenance, check your pipes, sink, and shower hardware for any signs of leakage. Carefully inspect your faucets for drips and leaks.
If leaks appear only after turning on the garden hose, you may have a frozen or cracked pipe. In this case, you’ll need the help of a seasoned plumber, like Doctor Drips, to help identify and fix the problem.
Ensure to also check exposed pipes in the basement or utility rooms for any signs of leaks or damage caused by rust or deteriorated hardware. If the pipes are displaying significant corrosion, the best course of action is to have them replaced before they start leaking.
2. Inspect the Water Heater
Inspecting the water heater is a crucial part of the annual maintenance. Over time, sediments can accumulate in the heater, causing corrosion. This can reduce the heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Here are some water heater inspection tips.
- Check the tank for signs of leakage
- Flush out the tank to release the build-up sediments
- Inspect the anode rod. Replace it if coated with a large amount of dirt and sediments
- Open and test the pressure release valve
When opening the pressure release valve, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the valve needs to be replaced, call an experienced plumber to do the work.
3. Check the Drainage System
Grease, food bits, and soap scum can accumulate in your pipes, clogging your drains. Ensure all drains have mesh or strainers to prevent debris from clogging the drain lines.
Your bathroom drains can also become blocked as hair and soap scum accumulate over time, which could cause an unpleasant smell in the bathroom. If your pipes are draining slowly due to clogging, try clearing them by pouring a hot bucket of water into the drains.
If that doesn’t work, call a Nashville Plumbing Service like Doctor Drips.
A professional plumber will conduct a video sewer line inspection to help identify problems with your drains and fix small issues before they become major problems.
4. Check Outdoor Plumbing
During winter, everything from twigs to dry leaves and other debris accumulates on the roof and your outdoor space. In spring, when it’s warmer, you can take the opportunity to clear out debris from your gutter, downspouts, and outdoor drains.
You can avoid many plumbing problems by making sure water runs freely down the drains. Here are some tips for maintaining your outdoor plumbing.
- Inspect plumbing vent pipes for signs of blockage caused by debris
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and yard drains
- Check for leaks in spigots and sprinklers
- Inspect the outdoor pipes and replace the old and damaged ones
- Ensure outdoor faucets, spigots, and hose bibs are functioning properly
- Protect sewer lines and water meter by ensuring proper grading and not putting heavy weight on them
5. Call a Professional
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, proper maintenance is paramount. Plumbing emergencies can cause very expensive repairs.
Worst of all, some plumbing issues can lead to adverse health effects. Plumbing problems can cause bacteria, funguses, and viruses in your home, leading to life-threatening illnesses. You may also have to contend with high utility bills if you’re having plumbing issues.
For these reasons, hiring a professional to conduct routine maintenance is recommended. A professional can identify plumbing issues at a glance and fix them before they become major problems. Better still, they can recommend easy solutions to prevent clogs and increase the efficiency and lifespan of your plumbing hardware.
If you need any help conducting your spring plumbing maintenance or are looking for a reliable plumber in Nashville, contact Doctor Drips today.
Doctor Drips is a family-owned, fully-licensed plumbing company based out of Nashville, Tennessee. We can help you with a wide range of plumbing services, including water heater installation, drain cleaning, and fixing leaky faucets and flappers.