Tips & Tricks to Overcome Plumbing Spring Challenges

Are we currently in the spring season? Well Yes !! 

Spring is the most beautiful season out of others, which not only brings flowers of every kind to bloom when it comes, but also brings some unique challenges for homes as well such as plumbing like occurring of wear and tear from winter season, defrosting of the ground, and increased rainfall which can lead to certain issues that may need a prompt action which can avoid expensive repairs and you can enjoy the season peacefully.

So, the maintenance of a smooth-running plumbing system is immensely important that brings comfort and proper functioning of your home in every way around. Moreover, it's not only about the spring, but each season brings its own set of unique challenges that can drastically affect your plumbing systems in various ways. Therefore, it’s the time to do some quick and easy plumbing checks that we will be discussing in this guide which will help us in overcoming the plumbing troubles to keep your house in top shape.

Why is it necessary to consider the Spring Plumbing Tips?

Winter is over, but did your plumbing survive? 

Generally, we have seen that most people do not consider the damage caused by winter in their homes, but this is a huge mistake.

The transition caused from winter to spring season can reveal and exacerbate issues within your home plumbing structure. For example, the defrosting of ground can cause pipes to crack, increased rainfall can test the efficiency of your gutters, and the wear and tear occurred due to the winter season can lead to several blockages and leakages. 

Therefore, you might not want to discover such faults at that time of the year when you need your heating system at most to warm the entire house. Hence, it is better to locate them now, when you are less likely to be dependent on your central heating and have ample time to examine your plumbing system and get them fully repaired.

Tips To Overcome The Spring Plumbing Problems

Freezing temperatures and extreme weather patterns bring the country to a standstill. Thankfully, British homes are fitted with reliable and proper central heating systems that carry us through these colder months. Chilly weather conditions can not only damage your property but your plumbing system as well.

But now the bitter cold has passed, so, have you ever considered the drastic impact the winter had on your home’s plumbing? 

Let’s discuss some tips and tricks that will help in overcoming those spring plumbing problems to upkeep with the smooth running of your home's plumbing system.

1. Inspecting Leakages

Check Faucets and Pipes

It is very crucial to inspect all your faucets, both indoors and outdoors, because winters can affect the pipes badly, thus leading to the occurrence of leaks and cracks. Therefore, if this happens, you can replace any worn-out washers and repair the leakages promptly to prevent any damage.

Inspect Under Sinks

Leakages under your sinks often get unnoticed for a long time that can cause significant damage to the floors and cabinets. Hence, it is important to check any signs of moisture or water damage. Hence, the sink needs fixing if the leakage occurs.

2. Cleaning Downspouts and Gutters 

Spring season leads to heavy rainfall, and your gutters and downspouts should be ready enough to handle the good flow of water. 

Clear Debris

It is very important to wipe out all the debris from the gutters so that the water can flow freely through the downspouts, otherwise it can damage your home's foundation . Moreover, you can use a garden trowel or a gutter scoop to make it clean and clear. Also, you can find any sharp debris while cleaning the gutter, thus wearing gloves will protect your hands from getting harmed

Check for Proper Drainage

Check whether the downspouts direct the water away from your home's foundation? If not, then consider adding extensions by using splash blocks or downspout extenders that will keep the water at a safer distance from the house and prevent foundation damage.

3. Testing Sump Pump

Spring often brings increased rainfall along with it, thus making your sump pump act as defence against basement flooding. So, regular testing and maintenance often plays an essential role to ensure its proper functioning when needed.

Performing a Test Run

You can perform a test run by pouring water into the sump pit to check if the pump quickly drains the water out. However,  it might need cleaning or repairing if it doesn’t. Alternatively, you can even check the power button to ensure the pump is correctly plugged in. 

Cleaning the Pump and Pit

Wiping all the debris out will make the pump pit clean and prevent it from getting clogged. However, if you are not sure about how to clean the sump pump, therefore, it is advised to schedule a professional inspection.

4. Check Your Water Heater

It is a great time to give your water heater some attention during the spring season, especially after it had worked hard throughout the winter. Hence, maintaining it properly can extend its lifespan by enhancing its efficiency.

Flushing the Tank

Sediment can build up in your water heater tank while reducing its efficiency and potentially can cause damage. Before beginning with the cleaning of debris, you need to turn the power supply or gas off to the water heater. Then connect a hose to the drain valve and direct the flow of water to a safest location. Therefore, flushing completely removes the deposits from the tank.

Check Leakages and Corrosion

You can look for signs of corrosion, rust, or leaks around the water heater. It is vital to address such problems to avoid bigger issues in the future. You can do this, by installing a water heater blanket to enhance its efficiency and save the energy costs.

5. Address Slow Drains

Slow drains define the occurrence of clog within your plumbing system. Therefore, the ideal solution is to address this issue as early as you can for the prevention of the upcoming serious blockages.

Using a Plunger or Drain Snake

A drain snake or plunger often clears minor clogs easily. Therefore, it is better to avoid the usage of chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes over the passage of time. Moreover, for stubborn clogs, you can contact expert plumbers from Urban Gaffa.

Cleaning Drain Covers

It is paramount to remove and clean the drain covers thoroughly and regularly which will prevent the accumulation of hair and debris in it. Therefore, you can do this by installing strainers over the drains to collect the debris before it enters your plumbing system.

6. Inspecting Sewer Line

Tree roots can invade sewer lines, which will cause potential issues such as blockages and backups. Hence, spring is a great season to inspect the sewer line.

Scheduling an Expert’s Inspection

Schedule an appointment with a professional plumber to inspect the sewer line in depth to identify any problems. Thus, its regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future by considering consistent inspections.

Using Root Killer

If tree roots are an issue, then use a root killer to prevent them from growing and entering into your sewer line. You can do so by applying root killer in the spring and fall for best results.

Conclusion

We all know that spring brings the perfect opportunity to address all types of plumbing issues that may develop overtime. By following the above-mentioned tips and tricks, you can do repair and maintenance and ensure that your plumbing system is ready for the upcoming winters. Furthermore, actively addressing the plumbing challenges will make you avoid costly repairs and allow you to enjoy this season peacefully.

Therefore, an early inspection and regular maintenance will always keep your home's plumbing system in top condition and you can spend a worry-free season. Remember, when you are in doubt, consult Urban Gaffa to hire a professional plumber for Spring Plumbing Services. 

Happy Spring!