As temperatures rise with the approaching of spring, be sure your plumbing system is prepared for whatever seasonal transitions come your way! At Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain, we want our valued customers to have a smooth transition into the warmer weather. So, check out this quick list to help get you started:
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSITION INTO SPRING?
1. THINK ABOUT YOUR MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE: If you’re unable to remember the last time you used your main water shut-off valve, it’s likely a good idea to check on it now. You want to confirm that it can be maneuvered without too much difficulty. Can you rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise? If not, now is the ideal time to upgrade this critical component of your plumbing system, especially before a plumbing emergency arises and further complicates matters!
2. THINK ABOUT LEAKS:
- Faucets & Sink: Even the tiniest of leaks and drips may go unnoticed. To ensure your faucets and sinks are functioning properly, it’s wise to inspect them regularly (at least once a season). Be sure to check for any signs of dripping or leaking around sink fixtures on top as well as underneath. Unbeknownst to many, a leaking sink can remain undetected for an extended period of time, leaving behind considerable water damage. Therefore, it is critical that you routinely inspect your pipes under the sink and check for any signs of corrosion or rusting before further destruction takes place.
- Toilets: For those toilets too, the same logic applies. If you notice constantly running toilets or water accumulating around your toilet’s base, don’t hesitate; take action to rectify this now. Allowing minor problems to linger may cause them to grow into larger issues that will be unmanageable in due course.
3. THINK ABOUT YOUR DRAINS: It is important to routinely examine all your drains for hair and gunk buildup in order to keep them from becoming clogged. Installing drain screens in tubs can help prevent a lot of the buildup, but it’s still necessary to perform regular maintenance by clearing out any excess buildup that accumulates. Taking simple steps such as these now will save you time and money later on, when more serious cleaning services might be required if there are severe clogs.
4. THINK ABOUT YOUR OUTDOOR FIXTURES: Now that the colder temperatures have passed, it’s time to check on your outdoor plumbing fixtures and ensure they are functioning properly. Start by turning on each spigot individually. You may hear a spurting or popping noise initially, however, this is natural and should subside as soon as water begins flowing through the pipes. After switching them off again take a moment to verify there aren’t any persistent drips or leaks present around the area.
5. THINK ABOUT YOUR WATER HOSES & SPRINKLERS: On top of that, it’s essential to inspect your water hoses and sprinkler system (if you have one) before reattaching them for the spring season. Before you do so, review them closely to see if they’re in satisfactory condition. Extreme cold can cause serious damage such as shrinking or cracks so checking for any holes, leaks or breaks is absolutely imperative.
6. THINK ABOUT YOUR SUMP PUMP: As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers…” With that in mind, it’s essential to make sure your home is equipped with a functioning sump pump for those rainy days. To ensure readiness of the pump ahead of time, try pouring two buckets of water directly into its basin. By kickstarting the sump pump and getting it running again, you can verify if it is functioning as intended. If your attempts fail, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. Additionally, remember that a cleaning every 3-4 months should keep your sump pump in top shape! And with spring right around the corner, now is an ideal time to add this task to your list of seasonal chores.
7. THINK ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER: Over longer terms of usage, sediment will accumulate in your water tank and cause it to become less efficient while decreasing its lifespan. For this reason, we highly suggest having a yearly inspection of your water heater so that we can flush away the built-up sediment, ultimately allowing for improved efficiency and maximum performance.
8. THINK ABOUT YOUR YARD DRAINS & GUTTERS: Don’t forget to care for your gutters and drains! Gutters and yard drains are designed to direct rain away from the home, but if left unattended, leaves and other outdoor debris can clog them. You may take it upon yourself or hire a professional before the rainy season begins in earnest. Either way, having these essential components clean is vital.
As you prepare for the upcoming spring season, it’s essential to be prepared for any plumbing situation that may arise. We have given some helpful tips to get you going, but if something unexpected arises or requires professional support, don’t wait! Our team is here and ready to assist in any way we can. You can reach Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 705-0297, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!