5 Important Plumbing and Home Tips for Spring

It’s finally starting to warm up outside, and that means one thing – spring is here! Along with the warmer weather comes a whole new set of challenges for your plumbing.

Melting snow and ice plus increased rainfall means your plumbing system must work harder than ever this season. That’s why it’s important to be aware of these five essential plumbing facts for spring.

Keep reading for tips on protecting your home from water damage and keeping your plumbing running all season smoothly long!

Check Your Pipes and Hoses for Leaks

As the weather starts to warm up, the first thing you should do is check your pipes and hoses for leaks. Even a tiny leak can cause significant problems, so it’s essential to catch them early.

Inspect all exposed pipes in your home, both indoors and out. If you notice any water damage or drips, call a professional plumber right away to have the issue repaired. Here are some signs of water leaks:

• Wet spots on the ceiling of your home
• Stains on the ceiling, floors, or walls
• Wet drywall
• Cracks in the foundation of your home
• Visible mold around showers, tubs, and toilets

Other things to look for are musty odors in your home, a sudden increase in your water usage, or sounds of running water when nobody in the house is using water.

Inspect Your Yard Drains and Gutters

Another important task to add to your springtime to-do list is inspecting your yard drains and gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool around your home, leading to serious flooding and water damage.

To identify failings in your drainage system, look for:

• Wet spots or standing water around downspouts
• Inefficient drainage when it’s raining outside
• Obvious holes or compromised sites in your gutters and downspouts
• Tree limbs on the roof

This leads us to our next point.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They help redirect rainwater away from your foundation and prevent it from seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Even if they aren’t damaged, they can only do their job effectively if clean and debris-free. Be sure to add cleaning your gutters to your springtime chores list.

Service Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard all year long, but it’s especially taxed during the spring and summer months when demand for hot water is at its highest. That’s why it’s crucial to have your water heater serviced by a professional before the busy season hits.

This will help to ensure that it’s running efficiently and doesn’t break down when you need it most. Signs of a failing water heater are:

• Discolored water
• Unusual noises coming from the water heater
• The quick loss of hot water
• Inconsistent water temperatures
• Low water pressure
• A leaky water heater

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Finally, be sure to schedule a plumbing inspection with a licensed professional. This is the best way to catch any potential problems before they cause severe damage to your home.

A plumber will thoroughly examine your entire plumbing system and look for any signs of wear and tear or potential leaks during an inspection. They’ll also be able to advise you on any necessary repairs or replacements.

Plumbing inspectors will:

• Test supply lines, fixtures, and drains for water flow
• Check all connections and all water pressure
• Look at the garbage disposal and trap
• Inspect appliance hoses for leaks, damage, and loose connections
• Make sure emergency shut-off valves are working
• And more

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your plumbing system running smoothly all spring and summer long!

Contact a licensed professional plumber at B+M Restorations or call 443-299-6536 if you have any questions or concerns. We’ll be happy to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.

Happy Spring!