As the winter months fade and spring rolls in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home with a focus on plumbing maintenance. After enduring colder temperatures, your plumbing system may require a little TLC to ensure everything is running efficiently. From preventing water wastage to preparing for warmer days ahead, these simple yet effective tips can make a big difference.
Whether you’re addressing winter-related wear or simply staying ahead of potential issues, routine maintenance can help you save on water usage, avoid costly repairs, and keep your home running smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential plumbing tasks, from checking faucets and drains to ensuring your outdoor systems are ready for spring. Dive into our expert tips and give your plumbing the attention it needs to start the season right!
20 Spring Plumbing Tips for Around Your Home
Spring is the perfect time to refresh and maintain your home’s plumbing after the challenges of the winter months. From fixing minor leaks to preparing your outdoor systems for warmer weather, these practical plumbing tips will help you conserve water, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home running smoothly all season long.
Kitchen/Bathrooms
- Check Faucets for Drips or Leaks: Inspect all faucets for signs of drips or leaks and address any issues promptly. Making simple bathroom repairs can save water and lower your utility bills.
- Prevent Drain Clogs: Ensure all drains have strainers to catch hair, soap, and debris, preventing blockages in your drain lines.
- Check Toilets for Hidden Leaks: Test for hidden leaks in your toilet by adding six drops of food colouring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, the colour will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. If needed, take the opportunity to find the right type of toilet for your home.
- Inspect Toilet Tank and Bowl: Look for any cracks or leaks in the tank and bowl that may need repair.
- Exercise Water Supply Valves: Turn water supply valves under sinks and toilets on and off periodically to prevent them from sticking.
- Ensure Proper Toilet Flushing: Make sure your toilets flush efficiently. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running, replace worn tank parts. These parts are inexpensive and can help reduce your water bill.
- Remove Mineral Deposits from the Shower Head: Unscrew your showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral deposits. Alternatively, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band, and let it soak. Gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any remaining deposits.
- Address Common Plumbing Issues: Identify and resolve common plumbing problems that arise in new homes, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
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Appliances
Water Heaters
Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer’s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.
Consider replacing a water heater that is more than 15 years old (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made). Newer water heaters are more energy efficient.
Make sure flammables are not stored near the water heater or furnace.
Dishwashers & Washing Machines
Check the dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.
Clean out the washing machine lint trap, if equipped, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.
General
- Drains: Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (including floor drains) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.
- Boilers: Keep your boiler running efficiently with annual service.
- Pipes: Check exposed pipes under sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.
- Sump Pumps: If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems. Heat pump installations are also not that difficult, especially when handled by a professional. Went to install a heat pump? Consider the seasonal requirements in your area.
- Drains: Install a backflow valve in the floor drain if you live in an area where sewers sometimes back up into homes. This device will prevent future backups.
- Leaks: Inspect for slow leaks in your home by taking a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If the reading has changed you have a leak that should be repaired.
- Flood Alarms: Install flood alarms. Like a smoke alarm, a flood alarm is a battery-operated device that sounds an alarm when it comes in contact with water. It alerts you to potential flooding or leaks. If you are looking for some spring remodelling ideas, we also have some good tips for you.
Related Reading: Your Home Renovation Plumbing Checklist
Outside
- Drains & Gutters: Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.
- Outdoor Pipes: Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes.
- Garden Hose: Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced.
Looking for Professional Plumbing & Home Renovations in Essex?
If you need a plumber for anything from boiler repair, boiler installation to underfloor heating installation, give us a call on 01708 502 346.
We’re not just available for small projects, if you’re looking for plumbing for home renovation & refurbishment, we’ve got you covered!
If you’re a fellow building and construction professional on the lookout for a plumbing partner to collaborate with you on building and construction projects, contact Lazard Plumbing today!
Spring Plumbing Tips FAQs
How often should I perform plumbing maintenance in my home?
It’s recommended to conduct a thorough plumbing check at least twice a year—once in the spring to address any issues caused by winter months and once in the fall to prepare for colder weather. Regular monthly inspections of faucets, drains, and toilets can also help catch minor issues early.
What are the signs of a plumbing leak I should look out for?
Common signs include an unexpected increase in your water bill, damp or discoloured walls or ceilings, musty odours, water pooling where it shouldn’t, and a drop in water pressure. Performing routine checks, like monitoring your water meter overnight, can help detect hidden leaks.
Can I handle minor plumbing repairs myself, or should I call a professional?
Many minor plumbing repairs, such as replacing a showerhead or fixing a leaky faucet, can be done with basic tools and guides. However, for more complex issues like persistent leaks, clogged pipes, or replacing major components, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to avoid further damage.