Spring is just around the corner, which means that the season for deep house cleaning and warm-weather preparation is quickly approaching. While you’re caught up in the rush of organizing closets and scrubbing every surface until it gleams, it’s a a good idea to keep in mind that your plumbing system needs a bit of attention this time of year, too.
While you’re giving a seldom-used guest bathroom a bit of extra cleaning attention this spring, it’s smart to pour a gallon of water into the sink and shower drains. This will fill the trap to prevent odors from coming into the house through the drains. You should also examine the pipes under the sink for any signs of a leak that could go unnoticed otherwise, since the fixtures aren’t often used.
Before the heavy rains start, you’ll need to make sure that the drains, gutters and downspouts around your home are free of debris, birds’ nests and leaves. Birds can also build nests in the vent pipes, so take a look at them to ensure that they’re clear. While you’re outside, look at all of the hose bibs and faucets to see if they’re flowing freely. Drips from and outdoor faucet or leakage into your home can be a sign that a pipe froze over winter, cracked and you may need a water line repair or replacement.
It’s a good idea to install a backflow valve into the floor drain if the sewers have been known to back up into homes in your area to prevent future back-ups and potential damage. Make sure that, if you have a sump pump in your home, it’s operating properly by pouring water into the sump pit.
If you encounter any problems or are unsure of how to proceed in terms of spring plumbing maintenance, make sure that you contact a licensed, professional plumber in your area for service and advice.
