A Spring Plumbing Checklist for Ford Heights Homeowners After a Hard Winter

The winter was brutal and now spring is here. Use this checklist to ensure you don’t have any plumbing damage from the bitterly cold temps:

Inspect Exposed Pipes for Damage

Walk through anywhere where you have exposed plumbing and look around for signs of a leak – moisture or dampness, pipe corrosion, stained or bulging dry wall, wet insulation, etc. Any of these signs point to a leaking pipe and should be fixed immediately to prevent costly home damage and future mold growth.

Test Outdoor Faucets

Turn on outdoor faucets and pay attention to the flow of water. A steady strong stream of water should come out. If you notice a weak stream, dripping from the faucet handle outside, or water collecting on the inside of the wall, you likely have a cracked hose bib.

Do Sump Pump Maintenance

Clean your sump pump and clear the pit of any debris each year. Then, test your sump pump by pouring several gallons of water into the pit and watching to ensure it gets pumped out effectively. If your sump pump won’t turn on, doesn’t stay on, or the water doesn’t entirely leave the pit, you’ll want to get the problem fixed before you need to rely on it to prevent basement flooding.

Flush Your Water Heater

Visually check your water heater for rust, corrosion, or dripping, which can signal a leak. Listen for popping or rumbling sounds, which can indicate you have a build up of sediment in the bottom. If you notice any problems, call a local Ford Heights plumber to have it repaired or replaced before it fails entirely and you’re left without hot water or before it leads to basement flooding.

Then, flush it out according to the manufacturer’s instructions, being careful to follow all safety information. Doing this annually can improve its operating efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Inspect Your Downspouts

Ensure that water coming down from downspouts is being directed away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding. Clear foundation drains of any debris that has built up so that you’re prepared for spring and summer storms. 

Keep an Eye Out for Appliance and Fixture Leaks

Look in all the places where things can drip for any small leaks that can cause big problems over time. Check sink faucets, showerheads, under cabinet sink pipes, dishwasher supply lines, washing machine hookups, and any place else you can think of for possible leaks. If you see signs of dripping, use the local water valve to turn off water to that area and don’t use it until you’ve had a plumber fix the drip.

Do an Irrigation Tune Up

If you have an irrigation system, turn it on for the season and keep an eye out for broken sprinkler heads or signs of a burst underground pipe. Typically, these will be easy to spot because you’ll see water pooling in one area or spraying oddly from one head. Get an irrigation specialist or Ford Heights plumber to come out and take a look.

Do a Water Meter Test

If you have experienced home plumbing problems in the past, you may also want to do a water meter test in the spring. Turn off the water to your home and wait to see if your water meter goes up. If it does, that indicates that you have a leak somewhere that you can’t see. Call an experienced Ford Heights plumbing company so they can use their water detection tools to find the leak and get it fixed before you waste any more water.

If you discover any problems or want an expert opinion, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 and we’ll have our team of experienced plumbers come out and take a look. All our work is guaranteed, which means your home’s plumbing is in great hands! Our reviews say it all – we’re the best Ford Heights plumbers when it comes to diagnosing plumbing issues. Find out why more Ford Heights choose us!