Maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system is essential for any home. Regular plumbing checkups can prevent costly repairs and ensure the safety and health of the household. However, plumbing maintenance is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Different seasons may require different plumbing checks to prevent seasonal problems. This can vary depending on your geographical location and type of home. In the Home Plumbing Checklist, we will categorize a few of the key things to check for by season so you can be prepared if and when you may need to give a plumbing professional a call.
Spring Plumbing Checklist:
Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, a time when we shake off the cold and darkness of winter and embrace the warmth and light of the new season. It’s also a time when our plumbing systems may need some attention after the harsh winter months.
1. Check outdoor plumbing: After winter, it’s crucial to check outdoor plumbing for any damage caused by freezing temperatures. You can start by inspecting your outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and pools for leaks and damages. If you have an irrigation system, make sure to turn it on and check for leaks or water pressure issues.
2. Inspect the sump pump: Although not common for more suburban and city homes, many rural and older homes near a high water table have one. Spring is the rainy season, and a functioning sump pump is essential to avoid basement flooding. Even if you have a basement and no sump pump, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect your basement near the floor and around pipelines.
3. Check the water heater: Spring is an excellent time to flush your water heater to remove any sediment buildup that may have accumulated during the winter. This will help your water heater run more efficiently and prolong its lifespan. If you are uncomfortable with doing this yourself, a plumbing professional can help you with this task.
4. Check for leaks: Inspect your faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks. Small leaks can become significant problems if not addressed promptly, so make sure to fix any issues you find. This is a year-round problem so a quick inspection seasonally is always a good idea.
Summer Plumbing Checklist:
Summer is the time for relaxation, fun, and being outdoors in the sun. However, while you’re enjoying the outdoors, your home’s plumbing system could be experiencing some issues due to the hot or humid weather.
1. Check for tree roots: Trees and plants can grow rapidly during the summer and can infiltrate your plumbing system. Check your pipes for any tree root intrusions that could cause blockages or damage. Pay attention to any faucets or pipes that may see less water pressure than others in your home.
2. Inspect your gutters and downspouts: the past spring rainy season as well as summer storms can cause debris to accumulate in your gutters and downspouts, leading to clogs that could cause water damage. Check your gutters and downspouts for any debris and clean them if necessary.
3. Check the water pressure: Increased water usage during the summer can also cause water pressure issues. Check your water pressure and make sure it’s at a safe and optimal level. If you come across something that may seem outside your abilities to fix or have further questions, please reach out to a plumbing professional.
4. Check your toilet: Summer is the season for barbeques and outdoor parties, and often more home visitors, which means your toilet will be getting more use. Check your toilet for any leaks, clogs, or other issues and address them promptly.
Fall Plumbing Checklist:
As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves fall, it’s important to make sure that our plumbing systems are prepared for the colder weather ahead.
1. Inspect your pipes: Fall is the season of falling leaves, and they can accumulate in your gutters and downspouts. This also is one of the most common reasons for clogs. Check your pipes for any blockages caused by leaves or other debris.
2. Check your heating system: Fall is the time to prepare for the cold winter months, and checking your heating system is essential. Make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is functioning correctly, and replace the air filters if necessary.
3. Inspect your water heater: Fall is also an excellent time to check your water heater for any damages, leaks, or sediment buildup. Make sure your water heater is ready to handle the increased demand for hot water during the winter.
Winter Plumbing Checklist:
Winter can be a challenging time for our homes’ plumbing systems. Freezing temperatures, unexpected weather fluctuations, and potentially ice can cause significant damage to pipes and fixtures, leading to costly repairs and inconveniences.
1. Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes are becoming a common problem during the winter months. This may not be a common occurrence in all regions but the need to insulate your pipes to prevent freezing and bursting is becoming more standard practice with the colder winters we have been experiencing in recent years.
2. Check your water heater: Winter is the season for hot showers and baths, and your water heater needs to be working correctly. Check your water heater for any leaks or other issues and make sure it’s functioning correctly. If you see any issues with your water heater, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumbing professional.
3. Check your faucets: If you have outdoor faucets, make sure to shut off the water supply if you need to drain them, and also give the faucet heads of sinks and showers a good inspection and cleaning.
Conclusion
The old analogy is that maintaining a home plumbing system is like taking care of a car. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups are necessary to ensure the car runs smoothly and lasts for many years. This is why regular plumbing checkups are necessary to prevent costly repairs and ensure the safety and health of your household.
Ignoring the plumbing checklist is like neglecting your car’s maintenance needs. Just as neglecting your car’s maintenance needs can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs, neglecting your plumbing maintenance needs can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
On the other hand, following the plumbing checklist is like taking care of your car’s maintenance needs. Regular checkups can prevent problems before they occur, and catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming significant problems later on. By following the plumbing checklist, you can ensure that your plumbing system runs smoothly, and you can avoid costly repairs and inconveniences.
If you come across any issues that you feel you cannot address yourself or would like a little advice from a professional about what steps to take to bring your home back to a safe and reliable place, Plumbing Doctor has an experienced team of experts here for you and any issues that need to be resolved.
Customer satisfaction is our number one priority and one we will continue to strive to achieve. Don’t hesitate when it comes to keeping your home or business running efficiently – contact Plumbing Doctor today. We are here to help!