At Loveland Plumbing & Drain, we want nothing but the best for our valued customers – and that includes preparing our customers for the seasonal transitions as they come. So with the onset of early spring temperatures, it is now time to get your plumbing system ready for the oncoming temperate transitions too! Here’s a short guide to direct you in your spring preparations:
HOW SHOULD HOMEOWNERS PREPARE AND PROTECT THEIR PLUMBING SYSTEMS FOR THE SPRING SEASON?
1. YOUR MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE: While you may not remember the last time your main water shut-off valve was opened or closed, it’s important to periodically check that this fixture is functioning properly. This way, if a plumbing emergency ever occurs, you’ll be able to quickly cut off the water supply and prevent any damage. Take a few moments now to ensure your main shut-off valve can be easily turned on/off should an unforeseen situation arise in the future. If rotating the main water shut-off valve proves difficult for you, it might be time to switch out your current model with a more reliable one. After all, if an emergency plumbing situation arises, the last thing you want is complications caused by maneuvering a faulty shut-off valve!
2. YOUR SINKS & TOILETS:
- Faucets & Sink: Taking the time to perform a simple inspection of your faucets and sinks every season could save you from huge headaches down the road. You might not think it, but even small leaks can cause substantial damage if left unchecked. It’s critical to look for any signs that water is seeping out around or underneath your fixtures during these inspections so that you can address them before they become an issue! Neglecting a leaking sink can lead to severe water damage, potentially ruining not only the cabinet below but also its contents. Thus, it is vital to inspect your pipework regularly for signs of rust and corrosion in order to prevent any such problems from arising.
- Toilets: Don’t forget the toilets! The same goes for all toilets in your home; if any of them are running persistently or have water building up around their base, you want to look into this immediately. Ignoring small issues can lead to serious consequences later on. Acting fast will save you time and money down the road.
3. YOUR DRAINS: To prevent extensive clogs from developing, it is wise to inspect all of the drains in your bathroom or kitchen for any hair and gunk buildup. Installing drain screens on tubs will stop a lot of hair from going down the drain in the first place; however, it would also be beneficial to carry out frequent cleaning sessions so that major blockages don’t form. Don’t wait until there’s an unreasonable amount of tub debris to clean it out – take action now!
4. YOUR OUTDOOR FIXTURES: As the days get warmer, it’s time to make sure your outdoor plumbing fixtures are ready for use. Turn on all of your spigots and give them a few minutes to run. You might hear some spurting or popping noises at first, but that is completely normal, and nothing that should be overly concerning. After turning off the taps again, wait a while before leaving so as to ensure no persistent leaks or drips!
5. YOUR WATER HOSES & SPRINKLERS: Furthermore, it’s essential to inspect your water hoses and sprinkler system if you have one before the start of summer. If you stored these components for winter, reconnect them to their outdoor fixtures, then ensure they are still in perfect condition. Frigid temperatures can cause shrinking, while dry air may lead to cracks or other damage. You should check for holes, leaks, as well as any cracks present; this is an incredibly important step that should not be neglected!
6. YOUR SUMP PUMP: In preparation for the abundance of rain that comes with spring, it is essential to ensure your sump pump is equipped and ready. After all, “April showers bring May flowers…” To assess whether or not yours is functioning properly, simply pour a few buckets of water directly into the basin. Additionally, make sure you have an appropriate backup in case of any flooding events! However, if you find that the sump pump is not operating properly as expected, please contact us right away. Additionally, don’t forget to clean your sump pump every 3-4 months for optimum efficiency! Make sure to include this in your spring cleaning agenda so that you can keep everything running smoothly.
7. YOUR WATER HEATER: As sediment builds up within your water tank, it can lessen the efficiency of your heater and decrease its life span. An annual inspection is recommended to prevent this issue. During an inspection, we will be able to flush out any built-up sediment that can impede optimal operation for a longer lifespan. Therefore, regular inspections are essential for keeping your water heater running optimally!
8. YOUR YARD DRAINS & GUTTERS: Lastly, remember to attend to your gutters and outdoor drains! These components are meant for the purpose of channeling away excess rainwater from your house. If these places remain unattended, leaves and other debris will block them up so much that it is rendered ineffective. You may opt to do this chore yourself or hire a professional if you prefer. Just make sure you get it all sorted out before the rainy season comes in full swing!
Tackle the spring with confidence and be ready for all the seasonal changes that come with spring. And don’t forget, if you have any concerns – and we mean any, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can call Loveland Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 644-0556, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!