As Scarborough's signature cherry blossom petals begin to bud, warming cool branches and copses along the bluffs burst forth with green life, spring in Ontario’s urban wilderness is certainly something to write home about. With those colorful blossoms and lush, leafy trees fanning out, you may begin to think about other changes, upgrades, or maintenance that need to be made regarding your outdoor and indoor living spaces. That's where our Scarborough plumbers can help! When you're curious about how to de-winterize your yard's outdoor plumbing fixtures and features, or it's time to give that water heater an inspection, we've compiled the ideal spring plumbing maintenance checklist so your property is ready for the festivities of spring and summer!
In this blog, homeowners will learn what maintenance measures need to be taken so that they can welcome a new season with aplomb. Without further ado, let's spring into gear!
Useful Spring Plumbing Tips: Scarbrough
It can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to preparing your exterior and interior spaces for the warmer months with a spring plumbing maintenance checklist. Perhaps it's your first spring in a new home, or you want to prevent the mishaps you faced throughout the last spring season. Either way, you deserve a step-by-step guide that will help you ensure a successful season. Learn more about our top spring plumbing tips in Scarborough below.
1. Inspect Faucets or Spigots
Your outdoor faucets are among the most essential of your exterior plumbing fixtures when it comes to your spring plumbing maintenance checklist, aiding you in various tasks such as gardening, car washing, and cleaning exterior surfaces like decks and siding. That's why it's so important to ensure they're de-winterized and ready for the seasons where they'll be used the most frequently. Recommended inspections and maintenance for these fixtures include:
- Inspect faucet taps for any signs of visible water damage that may have occurred during the winter season
- To prevent pressure surges, turn the water supply on if you have shut off the water during winter
- Drain any air or water from the hose bibs by opening them
- Check for blockages or clogging
2. Sump Pump Maintenance Tasks
Due to snowmelt and runoff, your sump pump is especially important in the spring. This device works to prevent basement flooding by removing excess water from the sump pit, protecting your foundation from structural damage due to water infiltration. So, how do you ensure that your sump pump is ready for the rains of spring? Find out with the spring plumbing tips Scarborough needs below:
- Assess and clean the sump pit by removing any debris or obstructions that could get in the way of functionality
- Run a test on the pump by pouring water into the pit to see if the float switch is activated and ensure proper drainage
- Replace the float switch if it does not activate the pump
- Ensure the valve opens and closes fully
3. Check for Clogged Drains
When embarking upon your spring plumbing maintenance checklist, it's important to ensure all drains are running smoothly and efficiently. When clogs are not cleared out promptly, it can lead to water and sewage backups, an unhygienic environment, damage, repair costs and drain inefficiency. To check for clogged drains, implement the following maintenance measures:
- Run water through your home's sinks and tubs to ensure optimal efficiency, and use vinegar and water for mineral buildup issues
- Check for plumbing fixtures for standing water or slow drainage
- Clean the P-trap located under your sinks to clear out any debris or blockages
- Install drain screens to prevent unwanted objects from going down the drain
- Consider professional drain cleaning for those more stubborn blockages
4. Water Heater Maintenance
Households often use their water heaters significantly during the winter months. From hot showers to cleaning, you want to ensure your water heaters are in optimal conditions when those frigid temperatures settle in. So, when the temperatures begin to warm, it's the perfect time to inspect your water heater and ensure it's ready to go for the rest of the calendar year. Some of the most essential home maintenance spring plumbing tips in Scarborough you can employ include:
- Flush your water heater to enhance efficiency and remove sediment. Turn off the power supply, attach your garden hose to your drain valve, and drain the water until it's running completely clear.
- Inspect the functionality of the pressure relief valve by lifting the lever. In optimal condition, it will release air or water
- Check the anode rod for excessive corrosion
- Check burners for any signs of visible damage or deterioration
5. Toilet Maintenance
Even when your toilet isn't showing signs that it needs immediate attention, it should be at the top of your spring plumbing maintenance checklist. Toilet issues are much more stressful to fix in the heat of the moment, so allow us to help you prevent any problems from occurring in the first place. Some spring plumbing tips Scarborough can count on for their toilets include:
- Caulking around the base to prevent any leaks from occurring
- Inspect shut-off valves and ensure they don't stick
- Check the handle and chain, adjusting the chain if necessary
- Inspect the fill valve and flapper inside the toilet tank
Allow Mr. Rooter Plumbing to Assist with Your Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist!
Now that you know the maintenance measures and spring plumbing tips in Scarborough that you can take to ensure a properly run plumbing system, you may need a little extra help if things aren't quite as they should be once spring cleaning is complete. When you do, turn to the professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Scarborough. We have the training, licensing and expertise to ensure your plumbing needs are handled with precision and care.
Contact us today to book an appointment for service and extend the lifespan of your plumbing systems! With our emergency plumbing services, we will be there for you day or night.
