Can you believe that Spring is almost here? Soon you will need to prepare the plumbing in your home for the changing of the seasons, and we’re here to help! Read on for spring plumbing tips that can help you get your home ready for the warmer weather.
1. Get started on your yard work – You may not think that your yard has an impact on your plumbing, but it does! Start off by making sure your down spouts face away from your home’s foundation and that they drain in the direction of the street. This is important because too much water around the soil of your foundation can lead to the soil shifting, making your foundation unstable. Next, clear your storm drains so they can handle large amounts of water. Lastly, be sure to clear your yard of debris to prevent clogged drains that may result in a flood.
2. Check exposed pipes– Before the season’s change, it is important to inspect your pipes for cracks and to call Komar Plumbing right away if you spot any. If you can’t see any cracks, check for discoloration, mold, or moss growth as these are signs that there is a crack that you may not be able to see.
3. Drain your water heater tank- Spring cleaning should also include draining several gallons from your hot water tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment. This sediment reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the hot water tank, so it is important to remove.
4. Check faucets and hose bibs – Water should flow freely from your faucets and hose bibs. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have a frozen pipe that is cracked and needs to be replaced. It’s important to repair broken pipes as soon as possible to prevent water damage issues.
5. Inspect your sump pump – Failed sump pumps can lead to major and expensive water damage! Make sure your sump pump is working properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. If working correctly, the pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water, and then shut off without any problems. If it doesn’t turn on, you may need to replace it as soon as possible. When heavy spring rains fall and your sump pump is not working, you may be facing a flooded basement.
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