5 Things You Should Do To Prepare Your Plumbing for Spring
The days are getting longer. The weather’s getting warmer. Winter has melted away and spring is drawing nearer. As wonderful as that all sounds, there’s work to be done. Winter can leave behind a mess and if old pipes and winter damage are involved, it could be a rather disastrous one for homeowners. But don’t worry. The Minneapolis plumbers at One Hour Rooter are here with a few tips to help you prepare your plumbing for spring and get your home plumbing system in shape for spring and summer.
Spring Plumbing
Before the ground’s completely thawed, there are a few plumbing things you should take a look at around your house to make sure your system is prepared for spring.
Check Your Sump Pump
The worst way to find out your sump pump isn’t working is when your basement has flooded. If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace, you should check and test it every spring. First check the drain that leads outside and remove any debris. Make sure it looks right. Check that the float value is in place and the pump hasn’t tilted. Finally examine the wires and battery for signs or damage. Then, you can run a quick sump pump test by pouring water into the pit and watching to see if it works properly.
Clean Your Roof & Gutters
You might be wondering what your gutters have to do with your home’s plumbing system, but they play an important part in removing water away from your home and preventing water damage and leaks. Clean out your gutters or hire a professional if you don’t feel comfortable climbing up there, and make sure your down spouts face away from your home’s foundation. Check that storm drains are clear for handling large amounts of draining water.
Check Your Pipes
Winter can be harsh on pipes, especially if you didn’t have a chance to winterize them. Look any exposed pipes over for signs of cracks. Discoloration, mold or moss growth could also indicate a crack in your pipe as well. If you notice any problems, call a trusted plumber right away for a complete inspection.
Check your Toilets for Leaks
Now’s a great time to make sure everything is flushing right. For a toilet leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait to see if the water in the toilet bowl changes colors without flushing. If the water’s clear, you are good to go, but if any food coloring made it into the bowl, you have a leak and will want to replace your flapper.
Test Your Water Pressure
It is possible that your pipes are already leaking, without you knowing. One last way to check your pipes for leaks is test your water pressure. Low water pressure could be a sign of a leak or another plumbing problem. Check all the faucets in your house and outside by running them on both hot and cold. Let the air work out of any lines that haven’t been used in a while then see if the pressure is normal. If they seem lower than usual, you may want to call in a plumber to assess the situation.
One Hour Rooter is Here to Help
If have any issues or find any problems during your pre-spring plumbing inspection, give One Hour Rooter a call. We’d be happy to help get your plumbing system in shape for spring. Give us a call at 612-354-8984 or schedule service online and our professional, courteous Minneapolis plumbers will be there to inspect your pipes, maintain or replace your sump pump, or do whatever you need to keep water and waste moving this spring!
