Now that early spring is here, Narrow Path Plumbing encourages you to ensure your plumbing system and home are ready for the change in weather. To make it simple, we’ve created this handy checklist so that you can easily prepare for the transitional weather.
IS YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM READY FOR THE SEASONAL SPRING TRANSITION?
1. INSPECT FOR LEAKS:
- Faucets & Sink: It is important to regularly check your sink faucets and fixtures for any small leaks or drips. We advise inspecting these areas every season as a general rule of thumb. Make sure you take some time now to look around your sinks and beneath them. Avoiding the repairs of prolonged leaks and drippage can cause the issue to worsen over time. So, don’t let a dripping pipe under the sink go unfixed for a long while. It could lead to costly water damage on cabinets and items stored underneath. Rusting is also another issue that is not fun to deal with.
- Toilets: Don’t ignore the toilets in your bathrooms. If you hear water running constantly or observe it pooling around the base of your toilet, take action immediately. Disregarding even a minor issue could potentially lead to serious consequences that spin out of control. Therefore, act fast for ideal results and peace of mind!
2. INSPECT YOUR DRAINS: If you want to prevent significant drain blockage, it is essential that you keep an eye on all of your drains. Make sure to inspect any sink, bathtub, or shower regularly and get rid of any clumps of hair or debris before they have a chance to take over the pipes completely. Drain screens are excellent for catching loose hair, but still need a light cleaning every so often as well!
3. INSPECT YOUR OUTDOOR FIXTURES: After winter has ended, it’s vital to guarantee that your exterior plumbing fixtures are functioning at full capacity. Turn them on and allow them to run for a few minutes. Some gurgling or sputtering sounds may be audible initially; however, this is normal, and when everything’s regulated, the water should flow with ease. Once you’ve finished running all the valves, wait one more minute before turning off any open faucets in order to make sure there aren’t any leaks or drips after the water has been shut off.
4. INSPECT YOUR WATER HOSES & SPRINKLERS: It is also vital that you take the time to inspect your water hoses and sprinkler system (if applicable) before reattaching them. Subzero temperatures can cause shrinking, while dry air often leads to cracks or other damage. For this reason, you want to verify that no damage has occurred to these components over the winter by checking for holes, leakage, or splits into these items prior to connecting them back up with outdoor fixtures.
5. INSPECT THE SUMP PUMP: As the motto goes: “April showers bring May flowers…” To ensure your home stays dry this season, double-check your sump pump if you have one. Test it out by pouring several buckets of water into its basin. This should activate the sump pump, and it should start working accordingly. If it does not, please give us a call. Furthermore, sump pumps should be cleaned every three or four months! This will ensure maximum performance while protecting you from potential issues. So, be sure to add this to your spring cleaning checklist as well!
6. INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER: Prevent sediment buildup by scheduling yearly inspections. These inspections will flush any built-up contaminants in the tank, allowing it to operate at optimal levels for a longer period of time. Making sure to plan regular maintenance is an investment worth making.
7. INSPECT YOUR YARD DRAINS & GUTTERS: Don’t forget the importance of your gutters and outdoor drains! Their primary purpose is to channel rainwater away from your house. If you fail to clean them regularly, they can become blocked with leaves and other debris in no time. It’s essential that you either take on this task yourself or enlist a professional before the rainy season hits full force!
8. INSPECT YOUR MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE: You may not turn the main water shut-off valve on or off frequently, but it should still be part of your regular seasonal maintenance routine. If you find that rotating this component is difficult, then it’s best to upgrade it as soon as you are able to. Make sure to check and rotate the main valve both clockwise and counterclockwise so you can confirm if there are any issues. In the case of plumbing emergencies, you want to be able to maneuver this valve easily with little to no difficulty.
Greet this new season with confidence by following our plumbing tips. If you find yourself needing any help whatsoever, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can reach Narrow Path Plumbing today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
