Spring in the Fraser Valley is a welcome sight. The longer days, blooming flowers, and warmer temperatures mark the end of a rainy and often chilly winter. But before you get too caught up in patio plans and garden projects, it’s a good idea to give your home’s plumbing system some much-needed attention.
After months of colder weather and heavy rainfall, your plumbing could be dealing with hidden issues, from clogged gutters to leaky pipes. A bit of spring maintenance can help you avoid unexpected problems down the road, saving you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with sudden repairs.
To help you prepare your home for the warmer months, we’ve put together a list of essential spring plumbing maintenance tips. Follow these steps to keep your plumbing system in top shape and prevent any unexpected surprises.
1. Inspect Your Pipes for Winter Damage
Even though our winters in BC are generally milder compared to the rest of Canada, they can still take a toll on your pipes. Cold snaps, frost, and heavy rain can cause hidden plumbing damage. Spring is the perfect time to check for any wear and tear. Here’s what to do:
- Check all visible pipes for leaks, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks.
- Look for signs of water damage, such as damp spots, mold, or peeling paint.
- If you notice any issues, call a professional plumber to assess and repair the damage before it gets worse.
Even in milder climates like the Fraser Valley, pipes can still freeze during occasional cold snaps. If you notice reduced water pressure, visible cracks, or strange noises when you run the water, you may have damaged pipes.
Additional Tip: If you have pipes that are especially prone to freezing (e.g., those in uninsulated areas), consider wrapping them with foam insulation or heat tape for the winter months. This will reduce the risk of frozen pipes in the future.
2. Test Your Sump Pump (If you have one)
If your home has a sump pump, now is the time to make sure it’s working properly. With the Fraser Valley’s frequent spring showers, a functioning sump pump is essential for preventing basement flooding. Make sure it is functioning properly:
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch to see if the pump activates.
- If it doesn’t turn on or isn’t draining properly, check for debris or blockages.
- If the pump is making strange noises or struggling to operate, it may need repairs or replacement.
Also, consider installing a battery backup for your sump pump to ensure it continues running during power outages. Heavy spring rains can lead to flooding, so being proactive can save you from a flooded basement and significant damage.
Pro Tip: If your sump pump is old and hasn’t been serviced in a while, it might be a good idea to replace it with a more efficient, energy-saving model to avoid any failures during critical moments.
3. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up and seeping into your foundation.
- Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Check for any leaks or damage and repair them as needed.
- Ensure downspouts are positioned to direct water at least five feet away from your foundation.
Regular gutter maintenance is essential to avoid water buildup around your home’s foundation. Overflowing gutters not only cause water to seep into your foundation but also contribute to erosion and mold growth in basements.
Also: Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future clogs and make maintenance easier.
4. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Frozen pipes during winter can cause cracks in your outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Before using them in spring:
- Turn on the outdoor faucets and check for leaks.
- If water is dripping or spraying from unusual places, you may have a cracked pipe.
- Replace any damaged faucets or hose bibs before attaching your garden hose for the season.
Frozen outdoor pipes can cause leaks and other plumbing issues that go unnoticed until spring. Taking care of your outdoor faucets will ensure they are ready for irrigation and outdoor cleaning tasks.
Bonus Tip: Install frost-proof outdoor faucets to prevent freezing during the colder months, reducing the chances of pipes cracking in winter.
5. Flush and Drain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard during the winter months, and sediment buildup can reduce its efficiency. To extend its lifespan and keep your water hot:
- Turn off the power supply to the water heater.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank to remove sediment.
- Refill the tank and turn the power back on.
- If your water heater is more than 10 years old and showing signs of inefficiency, consider replacing it with a new energy-efficient model.
This step helps prevent rust and corrosion from compromising your water heater’s performance. Regular flushing improves water flow, reduces energy consumption, and prolongs the lifespan of your unit.
Interesting Fact: If you have a tankless water heater, it’s still important to clean and maintain it. Mineral buildup can affect performance, so check with your manufacturer for cleaning guidelines specific to your model.
6. Inspect Your Toilets for Leaks
A leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month without you even realizing it. Here’s how to check for leaks:
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
- Wait 10-15 minutes without flushing.
- If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that needs to be fixed—usually by replacing the flapper valve.
Check for running toilets, as even small leaks can drive up your water bills. Replacing a worn-out flapper valve is a quick and inexpensive way to save water and money in the long run.
Quick Tip: If your toilet is making strange noises or not flushing as efficiently, check the chain and float for wear. Sometimes, a small adjustment can improve its function.
7. Clear Slow Drains
If your sinks, tubs, or showers are draining slowly, now is the time to clear them out before they become full-blown clogs.
- Pour a mixture of hot water and vinegar down the drain to dissolve buildup.
- Use a drain snake to remove hair, soap scum, and debris.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time.
Slow drains are a common issue during spring cleaning as debris from months of use begins to accumulate. Regularly clearing your drains helps prevent the buildup of hair and soap residue that could lead to bigger blockages later.
Pro Tip: After cleaning, run hot water down the drain to ensure everything is flowing smoothly. This will also help keep the drain clear for the upcoming months.
8. Check For Hidden Leaks
Undetected leaks can lead to high water bills and costly damage. Here’s how to identify hidden leaks:
- Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water.
- Check your water meter reading and wait an hour without using any water.
- If the reading has changed, you likely have a hidden leak that needs to be addressed.
Hidden leaks can be tricky to spot but can lead to significant damage over time. They often occur in walls or under floors, so keeping an eye on your water meter can help catch these leaks early and prevent expensive repairs.
Did You Know? Even a small drip from a hidden leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month. Addressing leaks early can prevent big headaches later on.
9. Check Your Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a sign of a bigger issue, such as mineral buildup in pipes or a hidden leak. To check your water pressure:
- Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet.
- Turn on faucets and showerheads fully.
- The pressure should be between 40-60 psi.
- If it’s higher, consider installing a pressure regulator
If pressure remains low, have a local plumber inspect your pipes for blockages or leaks.
Water pressure problems can stem from clogged pipes or issues with your water main. If cleaning the aerators doesn’t help, it may be time to call in a plumber to investigate further.
Extra Tip: If you notice water pressure fluctuations, check if your pressure regulator (if you have one) is working properly. A faulty regulator can cause inconsistent pressure throughout your home
10. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Even if everything seems to be working fine, scheduling a professional plumbing inspection in spring is a great way to catch small issues before they turn into major problems. Our licensed plumbers can:
- Check for hidden leaks and pipe damage.
- Inspect your water heater and plumbing fixtures.
- Ensure your sump pump and sewer line are in good condition.
An annual plumbing inspection can help identify potential problems early and save you from costly emergency repairs. It also provides peace of mind knowing your system is functioning optimally for the year ahead.
Reminder: Plumbing inspections are an investment in your home’s longevity. It’s much cheaper to identify and fix small issues now than to deal with extensive water damage or a plumbing emergency later.
Spring is all about renewal—and your home’s plumbing system is no exception. By tackling these essential maintenance tasks, you’ll help prevent costly repairs, improve water efficiency, and ensure your home is ready for the warmer months.
Whether you’re flushing your water heater, inspecting for leaks, or giving your drains some TLC, a little spring maintenance goes a long way. And if you run into anything that seems beyond a DIY fix, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
