How to Get Your Plumbing Ready for Spring
Spring is a time for everyone to embrace the warm weather and get work done around the house. If you are starting a Spring Cleaning List, make sure you include checking on your plumbing. Here are a few simple things to check for as we transition from winter to spring.
Leaky Pipes
As the winter cold subsides it is easier to identify damage caused to pipes due to improper care. Of course, check your plumbing inside your home, but pay extra attention to any exposed outdoors, as this will have gotten the brunt of the cold weather. A few things to look for when determining if you have a cracked and leaking pipe:
If you have a higher water bill without changing the amount of water that you use, chances are you may have a leaking pipe.
Any unusual dampness or pooling water
Odors that may be mold caused by water
Repairing any damage will help your home to have uninterrupted plumbing in the spring.
Slow Drainage and Clogged Pipes
During the holidays, people are coming in and out of the home for all kinds of festive gatherings. The extra long and warm showers people tend to take during the winter will also add to the strain on your pipes. This means extra strain on your pipes from soap scum, cleaning solutions, and hair. You may need to clean out your drains to make sure they are in tip-top shape!
Trees and Plants
One of the best things about spring is the plants that come back to life. However, their roots, especially tree and shrub roots, can attack underground pipes. This issue is sometimes hard to spot, but there are a few signs that can help you diagnose damage:
Water draining into your yard can be a sign that a pipe has broken and is letting water flow into your yard.
Higher water bills can indicate that there is a leak either in your home or outside.
Low water pressure and slow draining can also be a sign that something is preventing your home plumbing system from working properly.
If your sewer line has been affected by plant roots you may see it in the form of backed up water from drains, toilets overflowing, and gurgling noises from drains.
If you suspect winter caused any damage to your plumbing, be sure to call The Pink Plumber for an assessment!
