Most people think winter is the hardest season on our plumbing system, but the spring can actually be worse. Besides the fluctuating temperatures, frequently dipping below the freezing point, the spring thaw causes a lot of water to start flowing all over the place. The key to keeping your home dry and safe during the winter is doing some routine spring maintenance as springtime approaches.
There’s plenty of little things you can do around the home to make sure everything is go for the wetter months. Some of them you can do yourself and others will need professional assistance. Here’s just a few things you can do, it may seem like a lot, but they will only take a few hours. If you’re in a new home, following this list can help you familiarize yourself with your plumbing system. If you’ve had your home for awhile, it can help you spot any potential issues before they turn into burst pipes or flooded basements.
Seven Steps to Prepare for Spring
1. If it’s been over a year since you’ve had a professional pipe inspection, consider calling a local plumbing professional. They can check pipes for potential leaks and bursts, and make sure everything is running smoothly.
2. Pour a gallon (4 litres) of water down any drains that you use infrequently. That way, you’ll fill the trap and prevent any odours or sewer gas from escaping into your home during the spring thaw.
3. Check your water heater’s serial number. The first four numbers represent the month and year it was manufactured. If it’s over 15 years, consider replacing it. Otherwise, drain some of the water out to flush out any sediment, which can cause corrosion, and set the temperature below 120 F to save energy and prevent scalding.
4. Test your sump pump if you have one. Simply pour a few buckets into the sump pump and see if it automatically turns on and gets rid of the water. If it doesn’t, call a professional for an inspection or replacement.
5. If it’s been over two years since your backwater valve has been inspected, or you’ve noticed water seeping back into your home through the basement drain, call a professional for a backwater valve inspection.
6. Take a water reading. Look at your water meter before leaving for work for the day and check the meter when you come back (making sure no one uses any water in the home while you’re away). If the number’s changed, you have a leak somewhere.
7. Check all sinks for leaks and or drips, and look for signs of water damage or collection. If you see any leaks, call a professional for the proper installation of a new sink.
Springtime is a particularly hard time for our homes and their plumbing system, so it’s important we give it the care and attention it needs before the spring thaw causes problems. By following this checklist, you can learn about your home’s plumbing system and prevent problems before they become bigger, more expensive problems.
