To start, there is no better time to freshen up your home than in the Spring; it’s a great time to clean your living space, and do those maintenance tasks that usually get pushed back during the cold winter months. While lots of homeowners focus on closets, garages, and windows, there is another critical area that needs attention, your plumbing system. Springtime plumbing maintenance will help to prevent costly repairs, and increase the efficiency of your water usage, and extend the life of your appliances and fixtures.
By implementing some Smart Spring Cleaning Plumbing Tips, homeowners can make sure their pipes, drains, and water appliances operate efficiently after months of heavy use. From finding hidden leaks, to caring for the appliances that rely on water, small preventive measures can save homeowners time, money, and frustration later in the year.
This guide will provide Homeowners with a practical plumbing maintenance checklist that can be incorporated into your Spring Cleaning routine to make sure the water flows smoothly throughout your home.
Inspect for Leaks and Hidden Water Damage
There is no single more important spring plumbing inspection than looking for leaks. Winter weather changes cause stress to pipes, joints, and seals, and sometimes even produce small cracks or weakened connections.
Begin by looking under sinks, around toilets, behind washing machines, and near water heaters. Look for signs such as:
Stains or discolorations of water
Odors of mustiness
Wet cabinets or flooring
Unexpected increases in your water bill
Identifying these issues early can prevent greater structural damage and mold growth.
For additional information regarding detecting leaks, Homeowners can refer to various resources from the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program (link to: https://www.epa.gov/watersense) .
Refresh Your Water Heater for Better Performance
Your water heater operates all year long, but over time mineral deposits can form at the bottom of the tank and affect its ability to heat the water.
As part of your seasonal plumbing routine, flushing out water heaters to remove built-up sediment can:
Enhance heating performance
Lengthen the overall life of the appliance
Eliminate unusual noise associated with sediment accumulation
Ensure consistent hot water output
Many Homeowners consider this to be part of their annual maintenance routine, particularly during Spring cleaning when other home systems are being checked.
If you’re uncertain of how to properly and safely flush your water heater, contact a licensed plumber to do this for you and to check the entire system for wear at the same time.
Clear and Maintain Healthy Kitchen and Bathroom Drains
It is easy to overlook the importance of maintaining healthy kitchen and bathroom drains during Spring cleaning. Soap scum, grease, hair, and debris build up inside pipes and slow water flow over time.
A basic way to prevent clogged drains is to clear them before they occur. Here are ways to accomplish this:
Remove debris from the sink stopper
Rinse the drain with hot water
Use a natural solution made from baking soda and vinegar to break up build up
Clean drain strainers regularly
When possible, it is best to use mild chemical drain cleaners, since harsh chemicals can ultimately harm your pipes. Regular cleaning and prevention of clogging helps to maintain the operation of your plumbing system.
Regular drain cleaning also keeps the unpleasant odors away and maintains the flow of water in your plumbing system.
For further maintenance ideas, see our article on creating a home maintenance check list for each season (example internal link).
Check Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Connections
Spring is the ideal time to reconnect hoses and outdoor faucets that were likely turned off during winter. Outdoor plumbing can be susceptible to freeze damage and the damage may not always be noticeable.
When checking hose bibs and outdoor spigots, look for:
Leaks when you turn on the water
Decreased water pressure
Leaking around connections
Fixing a worn washer, or tightening the connection may resolve the issue immediately. However, if you notice leaks inside the walls when the faucet is turned on, it could mean there is a larger pipe problem that would require a licensed plumber to correct.
Checking your outdoor plumbing system can assure you that when you are ready to begin watering your garden, washing your car, etc., you will be able to do so without issues.
Test Water Pressure and Fixtures
Low or high water pressure may indicate a plumbing issue. High water pressure may put excessive stress on your pipes and appliances. Low water pressure may be indicative of sediment building up inside your pipes or leaks within the system.
Testing your water pressure during your Spring cleaning routine will allow you to detect any plumbing issues early in the process. For optimal results, household water pressure should range from 40 to 60 PSI.
Additionally, take a minute to inspect your faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Over time, mineral deposits may build up on your fixtures, potentially decreasing your water flow and efficiency. Cleaning your fixtures can greatly improve your performance and assist in conserving water.
Create a Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Routine
Spring cleaning is a great time to create a routine to keep your plumbing system well maintained. There are several plumbing maintenance jobs that need to be completed periodically. The key is to create a routine of completing them regularly enough to prevent major plumbing emergencies.
Some examples of routine seasonal plumbing maintenance jobs may include:
Inspecting your pipes and appliances for leaks
Testing your water pressure
Cleaning the aerator of your faucet, and your shower head
Inspecting your outside plumbing fixtures
Scheduling professional plumbing inspections when necessary
Keeping your plumbing system properly maintained will enable you to catch any plumbing issues before they become major repairs.
Conclusion
While Spring cleaning is typically thought of as a time to clean and organize your living areas, it is also an excellent opportunity to care for the systems that keep your home operational. By incorporating plumbing maintenance checks into your seasonal routine, homeowners can maintain the efficiency of their plumbing systems, prevent unplanned failures, and prolong the lifespan of their appliances and fixtures.
Basic plumbing maintenance tasks such as checking for leaks, flushing your water heater, and clearing your drains will help to maintain your plumbing system year round. When combined with regular inspections and professional service when required, these maintenance tasks will provide a solid base for a reliable plumbing system.
Taking time each Spring to restore your plumbing system will protect your home and give you peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is working properly for the rest of the year. With a little preventative work now, you can avoid future plumbing nightmares.