The sun is rising sooner. The days are growing warmer. Although these are only a few signs of early spring, it’s certainly no secret that this new season is rapidly dawning upon us. With a new season fast approaching, it’s time to get your plumbing system prepped for the seasonal changes. Follow these tips and tricks from your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain experts to get your home spring-ready this month!
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM FOR EARLY SPRING?
- CHECK OUT YOUR FAUCETS & SINKS: Let’s start with your sink and faucets, as those get used quite often. You should check your faucet fixtures every season to confirm they are still secure and have no leaks. Even the tiniest leaks can go unnoticed over time. Furthermore, it’s also a good idea to check underneath the sink to ensure your pipes and fixtures are not rusted. So, be sure to double-check these components to verify they are ready for the oncoming season.
- CHECK OUT YOUR TOILETS: Leaky toilets can also sneak up on you. When you allow a leaky toilet to continue without repairing it, it can result in costing you quite a bit of money over extended periods. So, this is something you should be ever vigilant about. If water is consistently building up around your toilet, or the water seems to be running perpetually, the culprit may just be a pesky leak – in which case, you will want to get this resolved as soon as possible.
- CHECK YOUR OUTDOOR FAUCETS: After resting unused for the winter season, you should inspect all outdoor faucets and verify that they are functioning fine and are prepared for use once again in the spring and summer seasons. Upon turning them on, you may hear a rush of water, then some “spurting” or “popping” noises. This is normal. Give it a minute, and the water should run after a while. Once you have confirmed regular water flow, shut off the water and remain there for a tad longer to ensure no leaks or continual dripping ensues.
- CHECK YOUR WATER HOSES & SPRINKLERS: Your water hoses were most likely put up for the cold season. We usually recommend doing this as part of our winterization checklist. This is because cold temperatures result in things shrinking while warm temperature expands items. Unfortunately, this same rule applies to your sprinklers and water hoses, which is why we make it a point to check both in the early spring transitions. So, if your water hoses were not put up properly for the winter season, pay close attention to them now, ensuring the frigid temperatures do not negatively impact them. You are looking for expanded areas in your hose that will have compromised its optimal functioning. You also want to make sure there are no cracks and excessive wear. If you find your hoses or sprinklers damaged, you should replace them before reattaching them to your outdoor fixtures for the upcoming season.
- CHECK YOUR SUMP PUMP: If your house has a sump pump, it typically should be cleaned every three to four months; what better time is there to do so than when spring cleaning is in full effect? If you don’t know how to do this, you may refer to your owner’s sump pump manual or give us a call so we can offer you some assistance with our quality plumbing services.
- CHECK YOUR MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE: This last tip is one that many don’t stop to think about, but it can prove quite helpful as preventative care. If your main water valve has been sitting in the open position, and you can’t recall the last time it was turned off/on, now is an excellent time to give it a quick inspection. Turn your main water shutoff valve clockwise to turn your water supply off. Then, allow a minute to pass, then rotate it counterclockwise to be opened again. If you find it challenging to close and open the main water shutoff valve, then it may be time to consider upgrading this particular fixture. In the case of emergencies, you want the ability to shut off and turn on this valve with no complications.
As you complete your spring cleaning and checklist, don’t forget these spring plumbing tips and tricks. Your plumbing work will thank you for your diligence, and you will easily transition into this next season. But remember, if you come across an unexpected plumbing problem, we are always here for you – just a phone call away. So, call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!