5 Tips to Prevent Spring Plumbing Problems

Though winter will continue for a few more months, it is never too early to start preparing for the spring season. Spring presents its own challenges and issues when it comes to plumbing, and you should prepare for them before they escalate into bigger problems. These tips will help you look for potential plumbing problems before they wreak havoc on your home.  

Clear the Gutters

The debris left behind by winter and early spring can cause damage to your house. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for debris such as tree branches and leaves. Clear the debris from the gutters, since these clogs can lead to the formation of mold around your house, water damage, or expensive leaks.

Check the Sump Pump

During the spring, you should make sure that the sump pump is functioning properly. The most efficient way to check on your sump pump is by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the sump pump works, it should activate, remove the water, and then turn off automatically. If the sump pump doesn’t do this, you need to contact a plumber to make repairs.

Inspect Hose Bib and Faucets

The winter season makes your faucets and hose bibs vulnerable to freezing and cracking. Go outside and inspect every faucet and hose bib for visible cracks, as well as drips and leaks. Cracked or leaky faucets can cause damage outside of your house, and if they escalate, can even threaten the house’s foundation. 

Test the Toilets

Make sure your toilets are working well and lack any leaks. The easiest way to test for this problem is by placing some drops of food coloring inside the tank and waiting between 30 minutes to an hour. If the water in the bowl changes color, this means the toilet is leaking. If you want to avoid costly water bills and a waste of water, calling a plumber for immediate repairs is the best course of action. 

Protect the Sewer Line

Springtime usually means that trees are no longer dormant, and that their roots will seek out the nearest water source available, including nearby underground sewer lines. Before spring starts, make sure that a professional inspects and treats your sewer lines before roots try to block them.  

Sources:

http://diyplumbingadvice.com/springplumbingtips.html