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Things You Should Do to Prepare Your Plumbing for Spring

By May 5, 2021March 13th, 2023Plumbing Maintenance & Repair Tips

SLC Utah Plumbing Repair As you complete tasks on your spring cleaning to-do list, don’t forget about an essential home system—plumbing.

Typically, a thorough spring clean-up increases your water consumption, from watering your lawn to washing your windows to filling your swimming pool. This up-tick in water use puts heavier strain on your plumbing than it did during the winter months.

Leaks, damaged supply lines, burst pipes, and faulty plumbing can cause extensive water damage, mold growth, and thousands of dollars in repair fees. Preparing for spring by checking your plumbing can save you unimaginable heartache (and cost) down the road.

Before a small problem turns into a massive one, ensure your pipes and supply lines are running efficiently by reading through our plumbing tips for spring.

Springtime Plumbing Tips

As Utah thaws out of its deep winter freeze, so will your pipes. While it is impossible to prevent a plumbing accident completely, checking your plumbing for any blockages or damage can reduce your risk from the most common plumbing issues.

Here is a quick overview of the areas to check as you gear up for the spring season

  • Install or test your sump pump.
  • Keep a battery-operated backup system in case of power failure. Another option you can consider is a water alarm that signals you of any water overflow collecting in your basement.
  • Reduce the effects of hard water by installing or maintaining your water softener.
  • Check your water heater for any damage before testing that it works correctly.
  • Clear your gutters and downspouts. Perform a test to ensure there is nothing blocking water flow.
  • Test your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets.
  • Check your basement for any water leaks caused by damaged or leaking pipes.
  • Ensure the basement floor, walls, windows, and doors properly seal.
  • Check your water valves.
  • Inspect your toilets and sinks are working properly.
  • Offset water pressure by avoiding water usage during peak times.
  • Permanently anchor water tanks to protect them from moving in the event of an earthquake.

Now that we reviewed our springtime plumbing tips, let’s discuss these items more in-depth. Take a look at these plumbing systems to keep your home running in tip-top shape.

Install a Water Softener

While certain areas like Sandy have harder water than others, all homes and businesses in Utah should install a water softener. Utah is notorious for hard water. A water softener helps balance the harsh minerals in hard water with sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

By installing a salt-based softener, your water filtration system will attract and remove excess calcium and magnesium ions to soften the hardness of the water. Other advantages of installing a water softener include:

  • Saving money by reducing the amount of soap needed to clean dishes and clothes
  • Maintaining the integrity of dishes, clothes, and hardware
  • Eliminating hard water stains
  • Reducing mineral build-up
  • Improving the characteristics of skin and hair

Check Sump Pumps

Unfortunately, many Utah homeowners experience basement flooding at the beginning of spring because of snow melting and heavy rainfall. Checking your sump pumps earlier in the season to ensure your basement can handle increased water levels.

Follow this five-step system to test the function of your sump pump thoroughly:

  • Step One: Disconnect the power source to remove and clean your sump pump.
  • Step Two: Remove the pump screen and inlet from the pump.
  • Step Three: Clear the line of any debris or blockages that might be limiting water flow.
  • Step Four: Return the sump pump and restore power.
  • Step Five: Test the system by pouring a bucket of water through the pump. You can also run a vinegar mixture through the pump to help eliminate any mold or mildew build-up for thoroughness.

Inspect the Water Heater

While you are inspecting your plumbing, make sure to check your water heater. Ensure that the temperature does not exceed 120°F. Flush out corrosion by draining a few gallons from the water heater tank. Check your water heater manufacturer’s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.

You should also look out for any rusting, puddling, or soot around the control panel. 

Consider replacing your water heater if it is more than 15 years old and you frequently experience problems. Check the age of your water heater by looking at the first four numbers of the serial number. These numbers represent the month and year the appliance was manufactured.

Clean Gutters and Down Spouts

Spring cleaning should include removing any debris blocking water flow in your gutters and downspouts. As you clean your gutters, check for damage, such as cracks or sagging. It would help if you also took note of any downspouts that are closer than 10 feet from the foundation of your home.

Test Sprinklers and Outdoor Faucets

The spring season in Utah means bringing your landscaping back to life. Unfortunately, outdoor pipes often freeze and break over the winter. Check that your sprinklers and outdoor faucets are working correctly by running the system. As the water runs, inspect each sprinkler head and faucet for water leaks. 

Another area that often needs repair in the spring is your hose bib, or your outdoor faucet. If you didn’t unhook your garden hose over the winter, this part of your plumbing could have sprung a leak either on the exterior or interior of your home. 

Turn Your Water Valve On and Off

One area of your plumbing that homeowners often neglect is their main water valve. After years of resting in the “on” position, it could be time to give the valve a twist to ensure you can easily turn your water supply off, as needed. Turn the handle counterclockwise a few times, then return it to its original position.

If you can’t move the valve, it might be time for an upgrade. Contact Manwill to discuss your options. We offer several water valve services, including the latest hardware that syncs to wireless devices for remote control.

Look Out for Toilet Leaks

Leaky toilets can cause serious damage, ranging from costly water bills to damaged floors. Keep an eye open for any wet floors around toilets. You can also run a leak test by adding six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If there is a toilet leak, colored water will shortly appear in the toilet bowl.

If you notice any cracks or wetness, there might be a broken joint or seal. Schedule a plumbing service by contacting our team. Our emergency plumbers offer 24/7 service at (801) 262-4671.

Check Water Pressure

One way of detecting a leaky pipe or ruptured water main is low water pressure. You can make sure that the water pressure is an issue is by avoiding water usage during peak times in your neighborhood. If this doesn’t eliminate the problem, you may have a more serious problem. We recommend having one of our professional plumbers checking your plumbing before it does any more damage.

Other Areas to Check for Leaks and Other Plumbing Problems

Bathrooms

  • Check for drippy faucets or leaks.
  • Clean drain lines to prevent any build-up of hair, soap, or debris.
  • Inspect the toilet for leaks or cracks.
  • Check the water bowl for cracks or leaks.
  • Make sure toilets flush properly.
  • Soak the shower head in vinegar overnight to clear out any mineral deposits.

Kitchen

  • Check for drippy faucets or leaks.
  • Clean drain lines of any food blockages.
  • Inspect kitchen sink for cracks.
  • Troubleshoot garbage disposal  

Home Appliances

  • Keep flammables stored away from the water heater and furnace.
  • Replace any supply hoses on your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker supply hoses that have signs of bulging or leaking.
  • Clean the lint trap of your washing machine.

Outdoor Systems

  • Clean yard drains, gutters and downspouts.
  • Check for bird nests or debris build-up in plumbing vent pipes.
  • Check outdoor faucets for any leaking. If there is any sign of leaking, have your faucet replaced.

Plumbing Maintenance Services at Manwill

Since 1920, Utah homeowners and businesses have trusted the master service plumbers at Manwill. From new to old to really old plumbing, our Salt Lake City plumbers have the experience you need to get your home back up and running. A few of the plumbing services we offer include:

  • Faucet repairs
  • Toilet repairs
  • Drain cleaning
  • Water heater repair and replacement
  • Water softeners
  • Reverse Osmosis systems
  • Waterline replacements
  • Gas lines
  • Drain lines
  • Bath remodels
  • Basement bathroom finishes
  • Hose bib repairs/replacements
  • Tankless and tank water heaters
  • Boilers (hot water and steam)
  • Fixture replacements

Trust the experts at Manwill to repair or maintain your plumbing. Call Manwill for all your plumbing repair and installation.