Spring Plumbing Prep Checklist

When seasons change, your plumbing and heating needs follow suit. With spring right around the corner, we assembled a checklist of plumbing jobs to prep your house. Some of these tasks involve a visit to the local plumbing supply store near you; others involve simple home tools, and some require hiring a professional. All the tasks help save money and protect your home from serious damage or annoying issues such as leaks, flooding, and mold.

• Gutter Cleaning and Down Spout Cleaning: During the fall and winter, leaves, twigs, and other junk clog your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters cause damage to homes in various ways such as roof leaks, flooded basements, mold, mildew, and structural damages. Most homeowners clean their gutters themselves using a rented pressure washer or a garden hose. Be cautious working on ladders and follow all standard safety procedures. For heights above 10 feet, we recommend that you call a professional.
• Water Heater Maintenance Check: Water heaters need proper care to extend their useful life. They generally last for eight to twelve years, depending on the model and how you care for them. Call a plumber in to drain the tank of excess sediment and inspect the unit for defects and wear. Maintenance checks keep older units running smoothly and alert you to the warning signs of failure, allowing you to plan for a future replacement.
• Check for Cracked Pipes: Pipes that provide water for outdoor water supplies freeze more quickly than other pipes in your home. Check all visible and exposed pipes for any signs of damage. When you turn on your outdoor water supply and monitor for any leaks that signal a crack in the pipes.
• Test Your Sump Pump: April’s showers bring May’s flowers. The rainy season calls for a sump pump operating at peak efficiency. Clean out the sump pump of any debris and fill it with water to test its functionality.
  General Home Inspection: It’s a wise idea to check your home every three to six months for general plumbing issues such as leaks, cracks, and dysfunctional fixtures such as faucets or toilets. Fixing leaky faucets or running toilets saves you money on your water bill. You can find a new faucet at your local plumbing supply store and install it yourself. Find DIY videos on YouTube to walk you through the process. To avoid injury or damages, remember, always use the proper safety procedures and shut off your water before working on your home’s plumbing systems. For complex issues like toilet installations or cracked pipes, call a professional.

We hope these tips help set you up for a great Spring free of any serious plumbing issues! If you do require plumbing services, Tim Dean Plumbing and Heating offers 24/7 assistance! Give us a call at (610) 942-3865! As always, we appreciate you reading our blog! Leave us a comment and like our Facebook page for fresh content, updates, and news!