The Top 5 Tips for Refreshing Your Plumbing System for Spring

Spring has officially arrived, which means everyone is rushing to spend some time outdoors. However, before you completely abandon the indoors, don’t forget about the plumbing! Spring cleaning your plumbing will make the season (and rest of the year) more enjoyable while also freshening up your home. 

1. Inspect your outside pipes  

Spring is a time of growth, which is great. But when it comes to your sewer drain system, too much growth of root systems can be a disaster. Roots and vines can wreak havoc on your sewer system and create blockages or even damage pipes. Use a sewer drain camera inspection to check on the state of your important pipes. Ensuring your outside pipes are free of debris helps to avoid a horrible mess (and a giant bill). If you have large trees around your sewer line, it might be time to investigate tree or root removal.   

2. Hook up outdoor taps and hoses  

Spring is a great time to hook up and turn on outdoor taps and hoses. Put down your drainpipes (away from the house) and check for any leaks or breaks in hoses. Clean your taps and hoses so that the water that comes out of them runs clear. Make sure you deal with any malfunctioning shut-off valves now, so you don’t have to worry about it when it is time to winterize your plumbing.   

3. Check your indoor pipes  

Servicing your indoor pipes can help prevent buildup and future clogs. If your pipes smell or don’t drain as quickly as you would like, now is a great time to give them a good cleaning. If you are dealing with clogs, consider these steps to keep your drains flowing smoothly:  

  • Invest in a plumbing snake, a handy tool for tackling stubborn clogs. Use it to clear those blockages that hinder fast drainage.  

  • Start using enzyme drain cleaners for effective clearing smaller clogs and can even help prevent clogs from forming in the first place.   

4. Clean your faucets and showerheads 

Regular maintenance of your faucets and showerheads will help with the longevity of these important fixtures in your home. You can remove mineral deposits and debris by soaking your showerheads in vinegar overnight and use an old toothbrush to scrub off remaining buildup. Don’t forget to give your faucets some TLC as well. Doing this will help improve water flow and pressure. 

5. Ensure your water heater is working efficiently 

Your water heater is a key part of your plumbing system, often overlooked but a hardworking unit. Inspect your water heater for any obvious signs of wear and tear, like rust. Consider cleaning out sediment buildup by flushing the hot water heater (or having a professional do it). This will improve efficiency and help your water heater last. It’s also a great time to check for leaks and move any items stored around your unit.   

We know that spending the longer and warmer days cleaning isn’t exactly how you’d like to spend your time! However, it’s an important part of home ownership. Cleaning your plumbing now will pay dividends in reduced headaches and emergency plumbing bills later! Of course, if you run into issues, or problems along the way, the Action team is here to help. 

plumbingEditor of Action Plumbing Blogplumbing tips, spring