Springtime Plumbing: Tips and Tricks

Apr 11, 2022 | News and Events

It's time for some Spring Cleaning! Beyond fixing household leaks, there’s a whole lot more you can do to make sure your home plumbing is in good condition. In this post I will point out some springtime plumbing tips to help you check for any damage or clogs that may have occurred over the winter.
Zlatan Bakovljev

Owner

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OUTDOOR SPRINGTIME PLUMBING TIPS

Vancouver island faced some harsh winter conditions recently, and freezing temperatures can often lead to cracked pipes. If a household leak appears after the first time you turn on your hose in the spring, it’s a good indication that a pipe has frozen and cracked over the winter and needs to be replaced. It’s also a good idea to clean out your gutters in the spring (a gutter shovel might come in handy). Clear all yard drains and downspouts of any debris such as leaves, sticks, and bird nests.

 

INDOOR SPRINGTIME PLUMBING TIPS

Issues can build up inside your home too. Below are some quick springtime plumbing tips for dealing with pipe, drain, and faucet upkeep around the house:

  • Unclog sink and tub drains by pulling out the pop-up plug and cleaning out any blockage
    • For bathroom sinks, also remember to clean out the little overflow hole
  • Soak shower heads in vinegar for 24 hours to unclog mineral deposits
  • Cover drains with screens or strainers to prevent the buildup of hair, soap, and debris
  • Drain several gallons from your water heater tank to flush out sediment
  • Pour a bucket of water into infrequently used drains (such as floor drains) to prevent bad odors
  • Install a backflow valve in your basement floor drain if you’re worried about sewer backups
  • Turn water supply valves (such as under sinks) on and off a few times to prevent sticking

TIPS FOR REPLACING OLD PIPES AND APPLIANCES

When you’re checking household pipes for cracks and clogs, you should also be on the lookout for corrosion of old pipes. Any corroded pipes should be replaced right away. We also recommend replacing your water heater if it’s more than 15 years old. If you’re considering buying a new water heater, make sure you’re aware of any new energy standards.

If you don’t want to deal with these springtime plumbing tasks, or if you have any questions about leaks, plumbing, or water heaters, call (250) 898-9061 or fill out the form at the bottom of this post.