Spring is the perfect time to give your plumbing system a quick checkup. A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid unexpected repairs, water damage, and higher utility bills later.
Here are 10 essential Spring Plumbing Tips from our O’Bryan family to yours:
1. Check for Dripping Faucets
Even a small drip can waste gallons of water. A quick repair now can lower your water bill.
2. Flush Sediment from Your Water Heater
Draining & Flushing your heater helps remove buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens the unit’s lifespan.
3. Inspect Outdoor Faucets & Hose Bibs
Turn on exterior faucets for the first time this season and check for steady water flow. If you notice dripping outside or water leaking inside your home, a hidden freeze crack may have occurred over winter.
4. Test Toilets for Hidden Leaks
Add six drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes (without flushing), you’ve got a leak.
5. Consider the Age of Your Water Heater
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to plan for replacement. Newer models are significantly more energy efficient.
6. Protect Your Drains from Potential Clogs
Hair, soap, and debris are major clog culprits. Ensure all showers and sinks have strainers to catch hair and debris. Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains to refill the trap and prevent sewer odors. If drains are slow, have them professionally cleaned to ensure they can handle heavy water flow.
7. Clear Yard Drains, Gutters, & Discharge Lines
Remove sticks, leaves, and debris from gutters, yard drains, and sump pump discharge lines. Blockages can cause drainage backups and water intrusion around your foundation.
8. Consider a Backflow Valve
If sewer backups are common in your area, this device helps protect your home from future damage.
9. Exercise Shut-off Valves
Turn water supply valves under sinks and behind toilets off and back on. This prevents them from sticking or seizing up when you need to shut water off quickly.
10. Make Sure Toilets Flush Properly
Test out your toilets to ensure they are flushing properly. If you have to hold down or jiggle the handle to stop running water, inexpensive tank parts may need replacing.
Spring plumbing maintenance is one of the simplest ways to protect your home and avoid unexpected repairs during the busy summer season.
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, our team is happy to perform a full plumbing safety valuation and system check to give you peace of mind!
Give us a call to schedule your Spring Plumbing Checkup and keep everything flowing smoothly this season.
