As the last of the winter snow disappears, your plumbing system could be hiding damage from months of freezing temperatures. Small issues—like cracked pipes, slow drains, or low water pressure—can turn into costly repairs if left unchecked. Before spring showers hit, now’s the time to make sure your plumbing is in top shape. At Bulldog Rooter, we believe in straightforward solutions and no surprises—so here’s your essential spring checklist to keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly.
1. Inspect and Test Outdoor Faucets and Spigots
Outdoor faucets often take the brunt of harsh winter weather. If they weren’t properly winterized, freezing temperatures may have caused cracks in the pipes. When the water is turned back on in spring, those cracks can lead to leaks, wasting water and even damaging your home’s foundation.
- Why It Matters: Even a small crack can lead to bigger problems, like mold growth, structural damage, or skyrocketing water bills. Water pooling near the foundation can also weaken the home’s structure.
- How to Check: Turn on outdoor faucets and look for drips, low water pressure, or puddles forming nearby—these are signs something might be wrong.
- Professional Tip: Bulldog Rooter can inspect and repair any damage to outdoor faucets and spigots, ensuring everything is ready for spring use.
2. Look for Hidden Leaks Inside and Outside
The freeze-and-thaw cycle during winter can cause pipes to expand and crack, leading to leaks that often go unnoticed until they cause visible problems. Signs like water stains, warped flooring, or increased utility bills might mean there’s a hidden leak.
- Signs to Watch For: Keep an eye out for higher water bills, stains on walls or ceilings, damp floors, or reduced water pressure—these are all potential indicators of leaks.
- Why It’s Important: Even small leaks can waste gallons of water over time, increase bills, and lead to long-term damage like mold or mildew, which can affect your family’s health.
- Professional Tip: Bulldog Rooter uses advanced technology to find and fix leaks quickly, saving you from costly water damage or larger repairs.
3. Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection
As the ground thaws in spring, tree roots naturally seek out water sources, often invading sewer lines. Root growth can cause clogs, cracks, or even full pipe collapses, which can lead to sewage backups and bad odors in your home.
- Why It’s a Problem: Issues with the sewer line can disrupt your entire plumbing system, making it harder to flush toilets, drain sinks, or use appliances like the dishwasher. If left untreated, repairs can become costly and messy.
- How to Prevent Trouble: Regular sewer line inspections can catch problems early.
- Professional Tip: Bulldog Rooter uses camera technology to inspect sewer lines for damage or blockages. If needed, methods like hydro jetting can clear out debris and keep everything flowing correctly.
4. Get Your Irrigation System Ready
Your irrigation system keeps your lawn and garden healthy, but it’s vulnerable to winter damage. Freezing temperatures can crack sprinkler heads, pipes, and backflow preventers. Turning on a damaged system can waste water and cause uneven watering.
- Why It Matters: A damaged system wastes hundreds of gallons of water and leaves parts of your lawn overwatered while others stay dry.
- What to Check: Inspect sprinkler heads for cracks or leaks and examine the backflow preventer for any visible damage before turning the system on.
- Professional Tip: Bulldog Rooter can test your irrigation system, repair damaged parts, and check for leaks to ensure it operates efficiently all season.
5. Test Your Sump Pump
Spring often brings heavy rainfall and melting snow, which can overwhelm drainage systems. A working sump pump is key to preventing basement flooding and keeping your home safe from water damage.
- Why It’s Necessary: Sump pumps help remove excess water from basements or crawl spaces, protecting your home from flooding and the expensive repairs that follow.
- How to Test It: Pour water into the sump pit to see if the pump activates and removes the water properly. If it doesn’t work as expected, it may need servicing or replacement.
- Professional Tip: Bulldog Rooter provides sump pump inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If your current pump isn’t reliable, we can install a new one to keep your home dry during the wet season.
Gotta Clog? Call the Dog!
As the snow melts and spring arrives, don’t let hidden plumbing issues dampen your fresh start. Bulldog Rooter is here to help you tackle your spring plumbing checklist with ease and expertise. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and tools to handle everything from leak detection to sump pump repairs, ensuring your home is ready for the season ahead.
Call Bulldog Rooter or email us at [email protected] to schedule your spring plumbing service today.
