Spring Plumbing Maintenance Areas to Consider

The spring period is one where homeowners everywhere can perform some important areas of maintenance. This includes identifying issues from the winter and correcting them, plus preparing the home for the summer ahead – and one of the most important areas here is plumbing.

At My Buddy the Plumber in Park City, we’re proud to help you with any and all spring maintenance areas. Whether it’s clearing your drains after a long winter, assisting with water heater repair, installing water filtration systems or any of our other plumbing services, you can count on us to keep your home in great shape all year round. Here are some important spring areas to be sure you consider when it comes to plumbing.

Water-tap and faucet

Water Heater Areas

A few important areas to consider as it relates to your water heater:

  • Temperature: Some homeowners choose to increase the temperature on the water heater during winter. For starters, we’ll offer recommendations here – never turn yours up past 120 degrees, as this may risk skin health and also could wear down your water heater faster than usual. WE can also help you find the optimal temperature for the summer.
  • Damage issues: We’ll also help you check for any signs of corrosion or leakage in your water heater, such as rust around the controls or puddles anywhere near the item.
  • Tuning: If your unit is older, we can help with yearly tune-ups to get maximum lifespan.
  • Sediment draining: One such area of yearly service is draining sediment from your water heater tank, which builds up over the year and can limit its efficiency.

Valves, Sinks and Supply Hoses

Roughly once a year – the spring is always a good time – valves in your home need to be turned. If this isn’t done, parts may become sticky and you might be unable to turn them when needed.

In addition, check under all sinks and in your supply hose areas. You’re looking for basic leaks or damage that may have sprung up over winter, plus corrosion that may be taking place.

Toilets

There’s a simple test to help you figure out if your toilet is leaking: Simply put some food coloring in the tank, then leave it for about 30 minutes. If you come back and the water in the bowl has turned the color of the food coloring, you know there’s a leak that requires repair.

Outdoor Considerations

A couple outdoor water and plumbing areas to consider:

  • Sprinklers and faucets: Outdoor pipes are at greater risk than any others to freeze or break during the winter, and you should be checking for any signs that this has happened, such as leaking. These leaks will usually be obvious soon after the associated sprinkler or faucet is turned on.
  • Gutters and downspouts: The winter may clog your home’s drainage system, risking leaks into your home and resulting water damage.

For more on important spring pluming areas to evaluate, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at My Buddy the Plumber today.