Last time, we discussed some of the features around your home that require spring inspections. Your indoor and outdoor plumbing are more at risk now because of factors like warming pipes and snow melt. There are other issues that make spring the perfect season for plumbing maintenance and repair. Get in touch with Mr. Rooter of Greater Syracuse to keep your plumbing-related expenses as low as possible.
Check Vents for Bird Nests and Other Debris
During the coldest months of the year, bitter winds blow and animals seek shelter. Too often, this invites debris into the exterior vents of your water heater and similar equipment. While these may be located on the roof, sometimes they’re vented out the side of your basement. Visually and manually inspect them, then secure wire mesh over the opening to allow for airflow while preventing a blockage.
Use Compacted Soil to Correct Low Spots in Your Lawn
After reading our last post, hopefully you checked your sump pump. Now it’s time to make sure all that water has somewhere to go. Use compacted soil to fill in dips in the dirt around your foundation. This will allow the ground to absorb more water and keep it out of your home. While not your typical spring plumbing tips, this is one of the most important things you can do prevent unwanted water from getting into your basement.
Inspect Outdoor Spigots and Hoses for Cracks and Leaks
Exterior faucets and other outdoor plumbing fixtures used for garden hoses and other outside jobs come with special risks. Even if you disconnect them from your home’s water supply during winter, you may wind up with cracks or leaks. These lead to wasted water and may also encourage water to pool right at your foundation. Hoses may be damaged by cold winter temperatures too. The key is checking them early at the start of the warm season before you really need them.
Schedule Septic Tank Checks, Pumping and Cleaning
Mr. Rooter doesn’t just focus on plumbing maintenance. Our licensed plumbers are certified by Onondaga County for plumbing leak detection or any plumbing-related project. We also install, maintain and repair home septic systems. Appropriate waste management has a big impact on your health. Likewise, snowmelt can flood your tank, leading to overflow and the contamination of your drain field. Schedule a yearly inspection to determine whether or not your tank needs cleaning or pumping.
Safeguarding your investment and keeping outdoor plumbing problems at bay requires effort. Thankfully you don’t need to invest much time in order to do it right. Many involve little more than looking at specific features and making sure they’re able to perform their jobs. The pay-off? Lower bills, reliable plumbing services and ultimate convenience throughout the rest of the year.