May presents the perfect time to give your home’s plumbing a quick checkup before the summer heat and storms roll in. After a long winter, your plumbing system may have experienced some stress. A little proactive maintenance can help prevent major headaches down the line.
At DRC Plumbing and Sewer, we’ve assembled a simple six-point spring checklist to help you protect your home and avoid costly repairs.
1. Inspect Your Sump Pump Before Summer Storms
Heavy spring and summer rains can quickly flood the basement if your sump pump isn’t working correctly. Test yours by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should kick on immediately and discharge the water. If it doesn’t, or if it runs slowly or makes unusual noises, it may be time for service or replacement. A working sump pump is your first defense against flooding.
2. Test Outdoor Spigots and Hoses
Test your outdoor faucets before you start watering your lawn or filling the kiddie pool. A slow trickle or leak could signal a cracked pipe over the winter. Also, check garden hoses for signs of wear, and make sure the hose bib isn’t leaking at the base. Even small drips can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the summer, and raise your water bill.
3. Check Your Water Heater for Sediment Buildup
Your water heater works hard all year, but sediment from hard water builds up over time and can reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Flushing your water heater in the spring can help remove that buildup and keep it running smoothly. If yours is older than 10 years, ask about replacement options — especially if you’ve noticed inconsistent water temperature or rising energy bills.
4. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
This might not sound like a plumbing issue, but it is, especially if your downspouts empty into underground corrugated pipes. We have removed roots and debris from plenty of downspouts and vent pipes. Blockages from leaves and debris can cause water to back up near your foundation, increasing the risk of flooding. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and that water flows away from your home.
5. Inspect Laundry Hoses
Your washing machine hoses are easy to forget — until one fails and floods your laundry room. Check for cracks, bulges, or corrosion. If they’re over five years old, consider replacing them with braided stainless steel hoses for added durability and peace of mind.
6. Schedule a Sewer Line Camera Inspection
If you have mature trees near your home, their roots could be creeping into your sewer line. A camera inspection can detect early warning signs before you end up with a messy (and expensive) backup. It’s a smart move — especially if you’ve had slow drains or unusual gurgling sounds.
Protect Your Home with a $99 Spring Plumbing Inspection
Let DRC Plumbing and Sewer give your home a full once-over this spring. Our $99 Water Heater Flush and Plumbing Inspection Special gives you peace of mind and helps catch small problems before they become big ones.