With the arrival of spring, our attention naturally turns to the vibrant renewal of the season. However, for many homeowners, spring is also a prime time for cleaning – whether that involves deep cleaning or tackling an organizational project that has been on your list for some time now; make sure you don’t forget about your plumbing system, too! This is because after weathering the winter months, your plumbing system could use some seasonal maintenance to ensure it is in optimal working condition and ready for the upcoming season.
Neglecting specific components could lead to costly repairs down the line. So today, Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain wants to arm you with our practical spring preparation tips that will help you safeguard your home and plumbing system and provide greater peace of mind as we help you prepare head-on for the spring season!
1. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater is a silent champion, dutifully providing heated water for your comfort at your convenience. With spring’s warm weather on the way, it could be tempting to forget about checking on your water heater. However, this is the perfect time to inspect it for any maintenance needs!
- Temperature Check: To start, double-check and make sure your water heater’s temperature is set at the recommended temperature (120 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly lower per the CPSC (The Consumer Product Safety Commission).
- Visual Check: It’s been a long winter. So, checking for any signs of corrosion on your water heater (including the valves and connections) is a good idea. If you notice rust, corrosion, or anything that looks out of the ordinary, please don’t hesitate to call a professional to assess the extent of the damage. It may be nothing, but if something did occur over the past few months that you did not notice, and there is an underlying issue going on, you want to pinpoint and resolve it now before the issue evolves into a larger, more expensive problem.
- Audible Check: Strange noises are another version of an early warning sign, indicating the system may be under strain for whatever reason. So, if you hear an odd sound that is out of the ordinary, this is another signal you should call a professional. Sizzling, hissing, or even crackling sounds could mean your water heater is due for draining.
- Cleaning Check: You may find the area around the water heater full of dust and dirt. If this is the case with yours, take a moment to gently sweep around the unit. You can use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment if needed. Just be sure to practice caution and move slowly. If the unit itself is layered with dust, carefully wipe down the water heater with a damp cloth. Be sure to wipe it dry afterward.
Remember, a water heater typically has a lifespan of about 8-12 years, depending on its maintenance. If yours is close to reaching this milestone, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Fun Fact: Did you know the first day of spring in 2024 is on March 19th?
2. Check Your Sump Pump
For homes with a sump pump, keep in mind that early spring heralds the season of high-water tables. It’s the rainy season, after all! So, ensuring your sump pump is in good condition and ready to handle the workload can help prevent catastrophes like flooding in your basement. Safeguarding your personal belongings and the structural integrity of your home is never something you will regret doing.
- Power Check: First, you want to make sure your sump pump is working and ready to respond. You can do this by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to check if the pump reacts appropriately. If the sump pump does not turn on or respond as it should, you can try troubleshooting it. Click here for some information on how to troubleshoot your sump pump, or feel free to give us a call so we can diagnose your issue for you!
- Pit Check: Thirdly, be sure to remove any debris or sediment that has accumulated in the pit. So, make sure there is no loose debris or particles inside the pit that can obstruct the pump and reduce its efficiency. Should you find any, gently remove it. On top of that, you’ll want to confirm the sump pump lid is securely placed over the pit so that no loose debris can fall into it. In addition, keep the area around the sump pump clean and free of clutter. This will help to prevent any possible plumbing predicaments from occurring!
3. Check Your Indoor Drains
April showers bring…drain clogs? Okay, okay, maybe that is not quite how the saying goes! To put it bluntly, the rainy spring season can really put your home’s drains to the test. So, it’s not uncommon for debris to build up and impede proper drainage, leading to standing water and potential overflow – both of which you most definitely want to avoid if you can! So, staying thorough and making sure all your drains are clean, clear, and ready is the best thing you can do to remain spring-ready!
- Kitchen Sink: If you have a garbage disposal, turn it on to verify it is still functioning as it should be, and the water is draining as well. This is a component of your kitchen that you likely utilize regularly, so it’s safe to say it needs a little TLC every now and then. You can clean your kitchen sink drain with natural products like baking soda and vinegar. If desired, lemon juice makes for a quaint and clean smell! We do not recommend using harsh chemical drain cleaners as those can cause more damage to your drain and pipes.
- Bathroom Sink, Tub, Shower & Toilets: You should periodically make sure all your bathroom drains are clean and clear with no buildup or clogs. Go ahead and gently remove drain stoppers and drain screens from your bathroom sink, tubs, and showers. Then, clear out hair and gunk buildup. After you have confirmed any potential buildup or blockages are removed, quickly test it out by letting the water run to make sure everything is flowing and draining freely. Make sure all toilets are flushing and draining accordingly, are not constantly running, and are not backing up.
- Floor Drains: Sweep around your floor drains and clean up stray hair, dust, and loose particles. You can also pour hot water down your floor drains to ensure they are ready to be put to use as needed. In the chance you feel they may require a little more cleaning, vinegar and baking soda are also appropriate to use on your floor drains. Just make sure that everything is washed away thoroughly with water after.
4. Check Your Gutters, Downspouts, & Outdoor Drains
Let’s take it outside. The role of your gutters and downspouts in directing water away from your home is crucial. And it is definitely essential to include it in your spring-cleaning routine! Clogged gutters can result in water pooling around your foundation, which can cause more issues. As winter debris melts away, your gutters could be full of unexpected materials impeding water flow. As a result, it’s best to make sure your gutters and downspouts are also set for the oncoming spring season.
*Above all, you should always practice safety firsthand. So, if you don’t feel safe getting on a ladder and doing it yourself or perhaps don’t have the right tools to get the job done correctly, please don’t hesitate to call in a professional instead.
- Check the Gutters: Get your ladder, gloves, and cleaning tools ready to clean your gutters. It’s possible that they may not actually require a cleaning just yet. But you still want to check and see if they do before those April showers hit full force! Please, gently clear any debris from your gutters if you do find anything that needs to be cleared.
- Check the Downspouts: Downspouts should not be overlooked in your gutter check. They are equally important components in your gutter system. Your gutters may be cleared and ready to drain the rainfall, but if your downspouts (the vertical pieces on the side of the home) are obstructed, the water will still need a proper place to drain. So, make it a point to check these as well. In some cases, you can carefully remove the bottom piece and verify that it is clear. You can also pull out any stray leaves and twigs from this piece. Just remember to return it back to its original spot. You can also consider using a downspout extension to direct water farther away if needed.
- Check the Outdoor Drains: It’s normal for loose leaves, flower petals, sticks, and mud to gather over drains. It’s possible some may have accumulated over your outdoor drains in the winter and can even do so during the springtime. Simply perform a quick inspection over all your outdoor drains around your yard and house and confirm nothing is obstructing their purpose. If you find anything that needs to be cleared away, carefully do so with a rake or outdoor broom.
By maintaining clear gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains, you’re preserving the integrity of your plumbing and the durability of your home against erosion and flooding. It’s a win-win all around!
Spring is the season of new beginnings. It is also the perfect time to revisit the health of your plumbing system, ensuring it is ready to support the vibrancy of warmer months. By incorporating these four plumbing checks into your seasonal home maintenance routine, you are not only preventing potential disasters but also prolonging the life of your plumbing system. Remember that some tasks might require professional expertise, and it’s always best to call in a qualified plumber like Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain for anything beyond your comfort level.
For any questions or concerns, feel free to call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!