How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Spring

As the weather warms up and winter turns into spring, it is a good time to check your plumbing systems. The change in weather from cold to warmer temperatures can badly affect your home’s water system and lead to issues if not addressed early.

Brothers Plumbing, a trusted name in North York, offers a step-by-step guide to ensure your plumbing is ready for the spring season so that your home’s water system remains functional.

1. Inspect for leaks.

The winter months can cause stress on your plumbing with the freeze-thaw cycle. The expansion and contraction of ice can cause your pipes to crack and leak. Check all the visible pipes, faucets, and hose connections for leaks to ensure your plumbing is ready for spring.

Even a minor drip can result in wasted water over time and could lead to water damage if left unchecked. You should identify and address these small leaks in time, so your plumbing system keeps working.

For significant repairs requiring expertise, don’t hesitate to contact Brothers Plumbing in North York to inspect and repair your system so you can enjoy leak-free spring months.

2. Test your sump pump.

If you have a sump pump installed in your basement, it is a good idea to test it in spring. It is essential to do it before it rains to prevent basement flooding by heavy rainfall. It is easy to test your sump pump; just pour water into the sump pit and check if the pump turns on, pumps the water out, and then shuts off automatically.

If your sump pump fails to do any of these tasks, you must have it professionally examined. You must ensure your sump pump is repaired or replaced before you end up with a flooded basement.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts.

Your gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. In winter, debris such as twigs and leaves frozen underneath the ice are common. Once the ice and snow melt, you may see debris blocking your gutters and downspouts.

If you can do it safely and effectively, clear out these blockages and inspect for damage. Also, ensure that the downspouts are directing water at least three feet away from your home.

4. Check outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

Your outdoor faucets and sprinklers can get frozen and blocked in the winter. Once the ice and snow melt, check these items for leaks or cracks. Begin by checking each faucet, turning on your sprinkler system, and checking for any visible leaks.

You want to get any leaks repaired as soon as possible so that you can water your lawn when it is time for the grass to grow in spring.

5. Service your water heater.

Your water heater works overtime in the winter months. So, when spring comes along, it is time to check on it to ensure it is ready for the winter. One way to service your water heater is to drain a few gallons of water from the tank to remove sediment at the bottom.

It ensures you are getting clean water and increases the lifespan of your water heater. If you notice any leaks or rust buildup, contact a North York plumber to look at it and fix or replace it.

6. Prepare for hard water.

The tap water in GTA is either hard or very hard because about 85% comes from Lake Ontario. Hard water is water with high mineral content. This mineral can cause buildup in pipes and appliances and shorten their lifespans. This hard water can also cause dry skin.

There are two things you should do in spring. The first thing is to have your plumber install a water softener. Secondly, have your plumbing system serviced to clean any mineral buildups. These preventive measures maintain the health of your plumbing system for years.

Main water valve check.

Your main water valve controls the flow of water throughout your home. In the case of a plumbing emergency, you should know where your main valve is and how to close and open it. Therefore, if a pipe breaks and causes a heavy water leak, you can close your main valve to prevent flooding.

So, locate and check your main valve in the spring and practice opening and closing it. If it is jammed or leaking, you should contact your plumber.

8. Schedule a professional inspection.

You should perform some basic plumbing checks yourself at every change of season. Some of the most important ones are in this article. However, you must have your plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber, since not all issues may be visible.

It is also a good practice to schedule a regular inspection of your plumbing system by a professional plumber every spring so that you don’t overlook any leaks or issues in the system.

A properly functioning and healthy plumbing system will ensure you always have running water in your home whenever needed. Spotting any leaky pipes early also saves you a lot in water bills. And if you notice any other minor or major issues, have them checked out immediately.

With over 50 years of experience in the Greater Toronto Area, Brothers Plumbing is your trusted North York plumber for all your plumbing needs. Our team of skilled professionals will provide you with reliable and efficient plumbing solutions. Don’t let a plumbing emergency spoil your spring plans. Call Brothers Plumbing at 416-656-6717 or contact us for a fully functional system.