Typically, a thorough spring clean-up increases your water consumption, from watering your lawn to washing your windows to filling your swimming pool. This uptick 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, read through our plumbing tips for spring to ensure your pipes and supply lines are running efficiently.
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 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 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 it to ensure 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 are properly sealed.
- Check your water valves.
- Inspect your toilets and sinks to ensure they are working correctly.
- Offset water pressure by avoiding water usage during peak times.
- Permanently anchor water tanks to protect them from moving in an earthquake.
Let’s discuss these items more thoroughly. Take a look at these plumbing systems to keep your home running smoothly.
Install a Water Softener
While certain areas like Sandy have harder water than others, all homes and businesses 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 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. For thoroughness, you can also run a vinegar mixture through the pump to help eliminate any mold or mildew buildup.
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 for rusting, puddling, or soot around the control panel.
Consider replacing your water heater if it is over 15 years old and you frequently experience problems. You can check the age of your water heater by looking at the first four serial numbers. These numbers represent the month and year the appliance was manufactured.
Clean Gutters and Down Spouts
Spring cleaning should include removing debris blocking water flow in your gutters and downspouts. Check for damage as you clean your gutters, such as cracks or sagging. It would help if you noted any downspouts closer to 10 feet from your home’s foundation.
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. Run the system to check that your sprinklers and outdoor faucets work correctly. 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 outdoor faucet. If you didn’t unhook your garden hose over the winter, this part of your plumbing could have sprung a leak 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 twist the valve to ensure you can quickly 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 severe damage, from costly water bills to damaged floors. Look for wet floors around the toilets. You can also run a leak test by adding six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If a toilet leaks, 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 spring plumbing service by contacting our team. Our emergency plumbers offer 24/7 service at (801) 262-4671.
Check Water Pressure
Low water pressure can detect a leaky pipe or ruptured water main. You can ensure that the water pressure is an issue by avoiding water usage during peak times in your neighborhood. If this doesn’t eliminate the problem, you may have a more severe problem. We recommend having one of our professional plumbers check your plumbing before it causes further damage.
Other Areas to Check for Leaks and Other Plumbing Problems
Bathrooms
- Check for drippy faucets or leaks.
- Clean drain lines to prevent hair, soap, or debris build-up.
- 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 the 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 with 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 spring 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.
