As the days get warmer and the sun rises sooner, Mason Plumbing & Drain wants you to be equipped for all of its seasonal transitions – including welcoming in the early spring! To help ease your preparations and ensure that your plumbing system continues to run smoothly, here’s a quick checklist to guide you in your spring preparations:
AS THE SPRING SEASON APPROACHES, HOW CAN YOU ENSURE YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM IS SET UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL SPRING SEASON?
1. MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE: Despite the fact that your main water shut-off valve may not be used too often, it is still important to make sure it can easily rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. If you find yourself struggling to maneuver this fixture, then perhaps now would be a good time for an upgrade. By taking preventative measures and ensuring your main water shut-off valve functions properly in advance of any plumbing emergencies, you will save yourself from potential stress and inconvenience later down the line!
2. LEAKS:
- Faucets & Sinks: It’s crucial to check your sinks and faucets regularly. A great way to remember to check them is at the start of every new season. Don’t let minor yet costly issues go unnoticed; make sure that all potential leaks or dripping faucets are taken care of! In addition, small leaks from under the sink can go unseen for a lengthy period before being discovered. This may lead to water damage to your belongings and cabinetry. Therefore, it is also essential to inspect your pipes underneath the sink periodically to ensure that leaking or corrosion has not occurred.
- Toilets: Don’t let the toilet issues go unchecked; those must be dealt with as soon as possible. If your toilet is constantly running or water is accumulating around its base, you don’t want to put off resolving it. Allowing a minor problem to fester can quickly evolve into an unmanageable one, so act fast and nip this in the bud.
3. DRAINS: To avoid plumbing problems, it’s advised to frequently check all your home drains for any hair or gunk buildup. If you spot anything concerning, take a few minutes to clear it up before the situation worsens and necessitates professional help. Installing drain screens in baths can keep long hairs from catching inside the pipe too. However, this should still be complemented with routine light cleaning since clogs may form regardless of precautions.
4. OUTDOOR FIXTURES: After months of dormancy, it’s time to check the condition of your outdoor plumbing fixtures. Be sure to turn all spigots on for a minute. You can expect some strange popping or spurting noises before the water flows, but this is normal. Keep in mind that if you detect any dripping after turning off the spigot, address it promptly, as this may be a sign of leaks or other damage.
5. WATER HOSES & SPRINKLERS: After assessing the aforementioned point, it is essential to examine your water hoses and sprinkler system if you have one. These items should have been safely stored during wintertime. So, before utilizing them again for the season, make sure they are still in reliable condition before reattaching them. Check for cracks or other signs of damage on these components. If you find any, be sure to replace them as soon as you can.
6. SUMP PUMP: As we all know, “April showers bring May flowers…”, so it is essential to test if your sump pump is ready for the rainy season. Do this by pouring a few buckets of water directly into the basin – this should trigger the pumping mechanism! Protecting yourself from flooding doesn’t have to be complicated when you check in on your sump pump before Mother Nature begins her yearly downpour of rainy blessings upon us. If you have any issues with your sump pump, don’t hesitate to reach out. Furthermore, to keep it functioning at its optimal level and ensure long-term success, your sump pump should be cleaned every 3-4 months; seize the opportunity of the spring-cleaning season to add this task to your list!
7. WATER HEATER: As time passes, sediment will accumulate in your water tank, which can drastically reduce the efficiency and longevity of your system. We strongly recommend scheduling an annual water heater inspection to guarantee optimal performance. During this check-up, we can flush out any built-up sediment from the tank, ensuring maximum output from your water heater for years to come!
8. YARD DRAINS & GUTTERS: Before the rainy season really starts to pour down, don’t forget about attending to your gutters and yard drains! The purpose of these systems is to move the rainwater away from your house and property. If you fail to keep these areas free of leaves or other debris, they will easily become clogged.
Embrace the springtime season without hesitation and arm yourself with our plumbing tips to prepare for any changes. If you ever require assistance in any way, rest assured that we are here at your disposal! You can call Mason Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 298-6996, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!