Spring is just about here! With that, our attention naturally turns to the vibrancy and freshness of the new season. However, for many, spring signifies another time – spring cleaning! If you, like many others, like to use this time to really get those deep cleaning or organizational projects that have been on the back burner for some time finally done, kudos to you! Taking advantage of the beautiful weather makes you none the wiser! Just make sure you don’t forget about your plumbing system in the process. That’s right. After weathering the winter months, your plumbing system needs a little TLC to ensure it is set up to handle the upcoming rainy season.
Keep in mind that overlooking certain components of your plumbing system could lead to costly and larger issues and costly repairs down the road. So, it’s in your best interest to take care of it today, beforehand. Five Star Columbus Plumbing wants to equip you with our practical spring preparation tips that will help you protect your home and plumbing system as you prepare head-on for the spring season!
1. Did You Check Your Water Heater?
Your water heater works silently in the background, fulfilling its intended purpose to provide heated water dutifully at your convenience. With the warmer weather on the way, it can be easy to forget to include your water heater in your spring-cleaning regimen. However, now is actually the perfect time to give it a little attention.
- Perform a Temperature Check: To start, it’s always wise to double-check and make sure your water heater’s temperature is still set at the recommended temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly lower per the CPSC (The Consumer Product Safety Commission).
- Perform a Visual Check: Secondly, you’ll want to check for any signs of corrosion on your water heater (including the valves and connections). If you spot rust, corrosion, or anything that may look unusual, please don’t hesitate to call a professional to assess it. It may mean nothing, but if there is an underlying issue, this is something you want to have pinpointed now so that it gets resolved before the issue becomes a larger, more expensive problem.
- Perform an Audible Check: Strange noises are another indication there is something going on with the unit. So, if you hear an irregular sound like sizzling, hissing, or even crackling sounds, it’s best to call a professional. It may just mean that your water heater is due for a flushing, but a professional plumber will be able to verify this for you.
- Clean the Water Heater: The space around the water heater may need to be gently wept or vacuumed. It’s a good idea to clean up any loose dirt or dust surrounding the unit. Just make sure you move carefully and practice caution. If the top or sides of the water heater are layered with dust, carefully wipe down the water heater with a lightly dampened cloth, then wipe it dry.
Fun Fact to Remember: The first day of spring this year falls on March 19, 2024!
2. Did You Check Your Sump Pump?
For homes that have a sump pump, homeowners need to remember that early spring brings in high-water tables. It’s the rainy season, of course! So, making sure your sump pump is in good condition and able to handle the workload will make all the difference in preventing catastrophes like basement flooding.
- Perform a Power Check: First, you want to make sure your sump pump is functioning and ready to respond as it should. Do this by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm the pump is triggered and starts working. If the sump pump does not turn on, you can try troubleshooting it if you feel comfortable. 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!
- Clean the Pit: Next, you should take out any debris or loose particles that may have accumulated in the pit. Look inside the pit; if you find any particles that should not be there, gently remove them. Once the pit is cleared, take a moment to make sure the sump pump lid is securely placed over the pit so that no more loose debris can fall into it. Additionally, we always recommend keeping the area around the sump pump clean and clutter-free to prevent any future plumbing predicaments!
3. Did You Check Your Indoor Drains?
Spring rains can really put your drains to the test. So, staying on top of your drains and making sure all your drains are clean, clear, and ready to use are two of the best things you can do to ensure your plumbing system is spring-ready!
- Perform a Kitchen Sink Check: If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, go ahead and turn it on to confirm it is still working and draining. This handy component of your kitchen is one that likely gets used regularly, so it’s safe to say it also needs a little preventative maintenance every now and then. Use natural products like baking soda and vinegar to clean your sink drains. If you prefer a fresh scent, lemon juice is a great and natural option! Be sure to stay away from using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as those can cause more harm than good and can actually damage your pipes.
- Perform a Bathroom Sink, Tub, Shower, & Toilet Check: Bathroom drains – they also need to be clean, clear, and ready to go. Start by gently removing drain stoppers and drain screens from all your bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Next, clean off any hair and gunk buildup. After you have them and any potential blockages are removed, test out the drainage by running the water. Lastly, inspect and check that all toilets are flushing and draining accordingly. There should be no leaks around the toilet; it should not be continuously running or backed up when it flushes.
- Perform a Floor Drain Check: Floor drains need to be kept clear and dust and particle-free. You can sweep around your floor drains, gathering up stray hair, dust, and loose debris. Another thing you can do is pour hot water down your floor drains to ensure they are ready and draining as needed. If you feel they need to be cleaned further, vinegar and baking soda are also suitable to use, though it’s important to ensure everything is thoroughly rinsed.
4. Did You Check Your Gutters, Downspouts, & Outdoor Drains?
The role your gutters and downspouts play in redirecting water away from your home is crucial. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to include it in your spring-cleaning regimen! If your gutters are clogged and the water has nowhere to drain properly, it can result in water pooling around your foundation, ultimately causing damage or other issues.
*Please practice safety first and foremost. If you don’t feel safe getting on a ladder, or perhaps you don’t have the right tools to perform this task, please don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
- Perform a Gutter Check: Grab your ladder, gloves, and gutter cleaning tools so you can clear them out. Now, it’s possible that they may not actually need a cleaning just yet. But it doesn’t hurt to check before the April showers hit! If you find any leaves or other loose debris that need to be removed from your gutters, please do so carefully.
- Perform a Downspout Check: Don’t forget the downspouts! They should not be overlooked in your gutter cleaning process as they are equally important pieces of your gutter system. Even if your gutters may be cleared and ready to drain water, if your downspouts remain obstructed, the water still won’t drain properly. So, it’s essential to check them too. In some instances, you can remove the bottom piece of the downspout to verify it is clear. If you find any stray leaves and twigs, gently remove them from the downspout, then carefully return them back to their original place. As an added tip, you can also consider using a downspout extension to direct water farther away if needed.
- Perform an Outdoor Drain Check: Loose leaves, flower petals, sticks, and mud can accumulate over outdoor drains throughout the season. You can perform a simple inspection over all your outdoor drains located around your yard and house and verify nothing is obstructing their function. If you need to clear the drain, gently do so using a rake or outdoor broom.
When you keep your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains clear, you’re protecting the integrity of your plumbing system and the longevity of your home against flooding and other plumbing predicaments.
By incorporating these four plumbing checks into your spring maintenance routine, you are setting your home up for a successful season. Don’t forget that some tasks might require a professional plumber. So, don’t be afraid to contact a qualified plumber like Five Star Columbus Plumbing for further assistance.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We’d love to serve you!
