How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Spring

The sun is shining more and more, and maybe you've turned the heating down just a bit. It's raining, it's sunny, it's windy and in some parts it might still be snowing. Spring is truly here.

Whilst you're getting excited for the spring, and there is still some time whilst we're in lockdown, while not make the most of the free time and prepare your plumbing system for the spring. After all, you wouldn't want to spend time staying at home when the weather warms up, right?

7 Things to Check When Preparing Your Plumbing for the Spring

1. Check Your Outside Pipes

We all know that one of the most problematic winter problems is broken water pipes. However spring can be just as dangerous.

During the winter, materials shrink when it's cold outside - that includes your pipes. When the weather warms up, your pipes will also expand slightly - turning what could have been a hairline crack into a leak problem that requires immediate attention. Prevent this from happening by spending an hour carefully examining your outside pipes. If you do notice tiny cracks and suspicious scratches, it might be time to call a plumber.

2. Time to Clean the Drains & Gutters

Drains are a major part of your plumbing system and you can't afford to forget them when preparing your house for the spring. First check what condition your drains are in - if there is heavy blockage from the winter, you might need to get a drain specialist. Otherwise, a spare weekend afternoon should be enough to clear with some baking soda, vinegar and flushing with the garden hose.

When you're thinking about drains, you should also consider the gutters. Spring rain can cause blockages, if they're overfilled with leaves and debris. Cleaning the gutters is not too hard, if you follow our guide but you might need professional help if your house is too tall.

3. Clean the Yard

You might not think of your garden and yard when you consider preparing your plumbing for the spring, but cleaning it is a very important part of the process. When you clear your yard from excessive grass, leaves and debris, which the winter winds might have piled in the corners, you're protecting our drains from blockage, and making sure that water from the yard can drain easily, without causing puddles and water damage. For more tips on improving your space, check out our blog, Improve Your Home in 9 Steps..

4. Check the Water Faucets

Low water pressure is what you'll be looking for here. Run all the taps, both hot and cold water. Wait a few minutes, as there might be air pockets if some taps haven't ran in a while. If you find that after a while the taps are still running slowly and the water pressure is low it may be a sign of a leak.

5. Check for Sweating Pipes

Sweating pipes are a common occurrence in the summer, just like freezing pipes are in the winter. When you're checking your plumbing system in the summer, make sure you aren't noticing any excess water on the outside of your pipes. Although this is not dangerous for your pipes it is still a waste of water, which you can prevent by insulating your pipes or wrapping it up in something warm.

6. Water Intrusions May be Present at the Property

Some leaks can go unnoticed for a while, especially during the winter, and it is crucial to detect them in springtime before the problem increases. Normally water intrusion issues will become more present in spring, as the winter might have caused the drip to freeze.

An obvious sing of a water intrusion can be a musty smell, puddles, or water spots on surfaces, including your floor but also ceiling and walls.

7. Clean the Shower Head

You might ask yourself, what does the shower have to do with preparing your plumbing for the spring. Well, with the warm temperatures coming, the number of daily showers is likely to increase and so it seems like the perfect time to check your shower is now.

Remove the mineral build up on the shower head by filling a small bag with vinegar and attaching it to the shower head overnight. Yes, it's that simple. In the morning use a brush to remove the hard water stains and voila - you have a shower as sparkling as the new season.

For any plumbing repairs, as well as other house maintenance you know who to call.