March 20th was the first day of spring this year, that wonderful time in Regina when the weather pendulum starts to swing further from winter. We all know spring weather really comes a little later though. Still, you might already be thinking about disc golf in Douglas Park, lounging in the backyard, or that inevitable necessary period of spring cleaning. While the warm weather might not arrive until May, most plumbers in Regina know it's not too early to start your spring cleaning efforts.
Many of us are starting to think about airing out our homes and clearing out the clutter. Your home's internal systems deserve just as much attention. Melting snow and ice can reveal issues that have developed over the cold winter months, and put new stresses on your systems. Now is a great time to look for minor issues before warm weather makes them serious problems.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our team is full of experienced Regina plumbers who know what Regina's spring melts bring for pipes, drains, and other systems. This list of tips will help you inspect your home for common spring problems so that you can avoid making uncommon phone calls for emergency services that could have been avoided.
Tip #1: Inspect Your Kitchen and Bathroom
This tip applies to everything in your home, but you should also pay special attention to rooms with water appliances and fixtures during spring cleaning efforts.
In kitchens and bathrooms, keep an eye out for drips and leaks that might have developed over the winter. These can occur around your faucets, sinks, and dishwashers. Look for areas where water has collected around pipes and water lines.
You should closely inspect toilets in particular. If toilets develop leaks, it can lead to high water wastage. One trick to check your toilet for leaks is to add a few drops of food colouring to the water in the toilet tank. If you see that colour in the bowl within the following twenty to thirty minutes, it's a sign that your toilet has developed a leak.
How Can You Improve Your Kitchen and Bathroom?
While you're doing these inspections, it's a great time to consider what installations you can make to improve your home.
There are several things you can do before the warm weather comes:
Add a drain strainer to your sink drains to prevent the buildup of materials that result in nasty clogs
Install flood alarms in your kitchen and bathrooms
Purchase a toilet plunger or accordion plunger
Replace faulty lines leading to water appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine
Install and replace appliances in your home
Tip #2: Don't Forget About Your Exterior
When the warm weather does come, you'll want to spend time outside your home with something other than a shovel and scarf. Before you pick up this year's leisure guide, take the time to inspect the exterior of your home for the effects of Regina's cold winters.
Freezing and thawing during the winter often has a harmful effect on exterior hoses and pipes. Checking water supply lines and even garden hoses for cracks now can save you from meeting a plumber later.
Does Your Lawn Have Pooling Water?
Exterior drains, gutters, and downspouts can also develop blockage as melting snow carries debris into them. As water builds up from melting snow, this can lead to natural pools around those areas. If you notice water building up over a specific area of your lawn away from drains, it can also indicate a leak or serious issue with your sewer line.
Tip #3: Start Thinking About Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Regular plumbing maintenance is important for your home, and there are many benefits that come with it. The early days of spring are an ideal time for a technician to visit your home and perform a video inspection. Experienced plumbers can save you from hours of time spent dealing with repair issues if they arrive ahead of the problems.
A licensed expert can diagnose potential problems in advance. They can also help recommend additional improvements and installations, and perform minor and major repairs while they apply their specialized tools and expert advice to your home's needs.
Whether you're tackling a new installation, fixing a leak, or just your regular maintenance, at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Regina we're here to help. Call us today at (306) 205-1817, or request an estimate online.