How Greenwood Homeowners Can Prevent Common Spring Plumbing Problems

Everyone enjoys the arrival of spring, watching how nature changes as the days grow longer and the temperatures climb. Did you know warmer weather can also affect your home’s key systems? It’s true. Rising temperatures can affect different materials in different ways … and that can lead to problems with your Greenwood home’s plumbing.

Did wintertime damage your plumbing?

We had some pretty chilly weeks this winter, didn’t we? Besides making us shiver, cold weather can take a significant toll on your home’s plumbing system, especially if your pipes froze or were subjected to extreme temperatures. Now is a good time to inspect your plumbing to see if it suffered any damage. Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks in pipes located in basements, crawlspaces, or along exterior walls. Check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks or cracks that may have developed due to freezing. Turn on the faucet and watch for any irregular water flow or dripping.

Has your sump pump broken down?

While sump pumps are reliable, like every other home appliance, they can and do break down occasionally. If yours isn’t working – or if you’re just worried it won’t when you need it — verify that it’s properly connected to a reliable power source (preferably a GFCI-protected outlet) and that there’s no visible damage to the cord or any other electrical components. Pour water into the sump pit, and make sure the pump starts. Check to make sure the drainage isn’t blocked, and that water isn’t draining into the wrong places (like along the foundation).

Are your downspouts clogged?

If your gutters are overflowing when it rains, there’s a good chance that one or more of your downspouts may be blocked. Leaves, twigs, and other debris often collect in tight areas such as elbows, and the buildup can interfere with the normal flow of water. Gutters can also become blocked … and if any water froze in the gutters, its expansion may have created dents or loosened fasteners. Finally, make sure your downspouts empty out at least five feet away from your Greenwood home’s foundation.

Developed any leaks?

An icy winter that’s followed by a mild spring can often create or worse leaks in both outdoor and indoor plumbing. Inspect indoor faucets and outdoor spigots to make sure they aren’t dripping (which is usually a sign that a washer or similar component has worn out). Examine hoses to make sure they don’t contain any bulges where ice expanded the hose walls. That can lead to later leaks and failures. If you have an irrigation system, test it to make sure no leaks have developed since you last used it.

Should you do it yourself?

If your Greenwood home has one of these plumbing problems or another that’s become annoying, you may be tempted to fix it yourself. After all, you’ll save money, and there are so many helpful videos on YouTube that make it look easy. Just be sure you’re really comfortable handling any repairs and know how parts work. Water can do a lot of damage to a home in a surprisingly short time, and making a mistake in a repair can end up costing more than hiring a professional plumber would have been in the first place.

Join the club prevent plumbing problems

The best way to stop worrying about springtime plumbing problems? Become a member of the Comfort Club, available exclusively from Johnson Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Your affordable monthly membership includes regular plumbing inspections, so we can spot …and fix … potential problems. Regular maintenance can reduce your energy bills, too, and extend the service life of your Greenwood home’s systems. You’ll also receive member-only discounts. Learn more today by calling (317) 881-7738!