Spring is upon us, the season is changing, and many of us are starting to assess our homes for damage that may have occurred during the winter months. This is when we may find problems, such as cracked hose bibbs, sump pump failures, and broken or cracked pipes. Locating and fixing these problems should be a priority to make sure that your plumbing system is ready for the warmer weather and the next winter. In this article, we have four spring prep plumbing tips that will improve the condition of your plumbing system.
- Cleaning Debris
When snow melts and the rain arrives, it can dislodge accumulated debris that could clog or block your sump discharge line or the drainage system. All debris located in areas surrounding your sump pump discharge line or in and around the downspouts should be cleared away. This could include materials, such as dead leaves, twigs, weeds, and clumps of dirt that have accumulated in these areas. Clearing this material will allow these critical areas to drain effectively and prevent clogs that can be hard to shift without professional equipment.
- Test the Sump Pump
At this time of year, many plumbers are called out to homes where the basement is flooded. The usual cause is a sump pump that’s malfunctioned, and the water has backed up into the home. The sump is a critical component in your plumbing system, and it needs to be working efficiently if you have a basement. Testing the sump pump isn’t too difficult, but if you’re not sure how to proceed, contact a local certified plumber, and they can help.
- Check Your Home for Blockages
Take some time to visually inspect your property for any obvious obstructions or blockages that may prevent the efficient draining of water. There could be melting snow, and more rain, and your drainage system needs to be clear to handle the extra volumes of water. Clearing away any dirt or debris may be a tedious task, but it may prevent localized flooding and so it’s well worth the extra time and effort.
- Check Your Home for Water Leaks
A visual inspection of the exterior of your home may reveal leaks and damage to your pipes. The outside water should still be shutoff, and it may be a little while before you turn it back on for the warmer weather ahead. But, you may want to pay particular attention to any outdoor faucets or hose bibbs which are prone to damage over winter. Many people turn their outdoor water back on only to discover that they have water leaks in these external pipes.
Preparing your home plumbing system for spring and the warmer weather ahead can be a little tricky if you have no formal training. A
local certified plumber has the skills, experience, and specialized tools to identify and fix your plumbing issues for you. This can include a plumbing tune-up that will get your plumbing in shape for the rest of the year.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
