How to Prepare Your Plumbing For Spring

*Last updated March 6, 2018.

Spring is in the air! Time to start crossing items off that seasonal to-do list and help your home’s plumbing reemerge for the season, refreshed and rejuvenated. Here are a few ways we suggest you start to tackle the task:

10 Ways to Prep Your Plumbing For Spring

  1. Inspect your irrigation systems. We’re talking about that sprinkler system of yours! Since backflow prevention devices protect potable water from contamination and pollution, you’ll want to make sure they are in working condition before the start of the season and replace any broken parts.
  2. Replace damaged hose bibs. Hose bibs and yard hydrants are exposed to some pretty bad weather during the winter, and believe it or not, they’re not invincible. Since some ruptures are not visible, be thorough with your inspection, and replace whatever needs fixin’!
  3. Search for leaks. Dripping faucets and cracked pipes can wreak havoc on your home and cause unnecessary spikes on your water bill. For that reason, make sure leak detection and repair is top of mind as you spring to seasonal maintenance.
  4. Listen for running water. If your toilet tank seems to run constantly unless you jiggle the handle, you may need to replace some worn parts. Fortunately, this is usually an inexpensive fix that also yields water savings — win-win!
  5. Clean and replace drain screens. Hair gets everywhere, especially in the shower. That’s why it’s so important to have clean, functional drain screens to catch hair, soap, and debris before it clogs up your pipes and requires professional drain cleaning.
  6. Test the sump pump. Pour a few buckets of water into your sump pump basin to be sure it kicks on and off properly. That way, in the event of a flood you’ll know you’re covered! (While you’re at it, you may want to check out our sump pump maintenance checklist as well.)
  7. Flush your water heater. As time goes on, sediment can build up in your tank, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens your water heater’s lifespan. Draining a few gallons of water each spring can help flush out some of that sediment.
  8. Clean your yard drains and gutters. Your yard drains and gutters play a huge role in your home’s ability to divert water away, and if they are filled with debris, they won’t be able to do their job! Clearing them out prevents excess water from filling up around all parts of the house. You should also prune any invasive branches to stop them from damaging your gutters and roof.
  9. Have a camera inspection. The best way to know what’s really going on deep down in your plumbing is to have a look. This can easily be done with a visual camera inspection by a professional plumbing company. It’s minimally invasive and extremely effective to both prevent and diagnose plumbing problems.
  10. Educate the family. Just because you know how to turn off your main water valve in the event of an emergency, that doesn’t mean that your whole family does. Take some time to educate everyone in your home about what to do if you need to turn off the water quickly! It’s also helpful to educate the family on what to do in general in the event of a plumbing emergency so that everyone is prepared.

Spring Plumbing Facts to Keep in Mind

  • Higher humidity can cause an increase in condensation in your ductwork. Untreated, this may produce unwanted mold and even a backup if the drains are not clear. If your ducts are sagging in some areas or have any cracks, it creates the perfect environment for water to seep into your ceiling.
  • Your sewer line is more likely to back up in the warmer months. This is due to an increase in rainwater and new tree root growth. Since sewer line backups can be very problematic, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your sewer line pipes to let you know if they are damaged or are in danger of being so.
  • The garbage disposal is not a catch-all. Be careful what you place in your garbage disposal after you barbecue. Dumping fats and oils down the drain creates the potential for clogs. You should also avoid disposing of fibrous or stringy foods such as corn husks, banana peels, and celery in your sink. They can bind the blades of the disposal, causing the motor to be overworked. If you do experience such an issue, it is crucial to call a professional for help. You should never take the risk of sticking your hand in the disposal, as even with the motor turned off, the blades can still cut you.

Spring into Action with Orange County Plumbing Services

Has it been a while since you had your plumbing inspected by a professional? Perhaps there are some red flags that something may have gone awry. Whatever the case may be, if you live in Orange County, CA or the surrounding area, Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter is the only name you need to know!

We offer both proactive and reactive plumbing services to help you prevent and repair damaged plumbing systems. That means that even if you don’t see anything obviously wrong with your plumbing right now, it might be a good idea to check up on it and perform some helpful maintenance services. Some of our services include:

Sewer & Drain Repair
Toilet Repair
Faucet Repair
Garbage Disposal Repair
Slab Leak Detection & Repair
Drain & Sewer Cleaning
Rooter Service
Hydrojetting
Gas Leak Detection
& more

Explore our website to see some of the residential and commercial plumbing services we offer, or feel free to contact us online or by phone at 714-630-8766. Don’t forget to inquire about our same day, emergency plumbing service!