Spring feels like a fresh start, especially here in Ann Arbor, MI, when the winter chill finally breaks. It’s that time of year when everyone’s ready to shake off the cold and focus on cleaning and repairs. While you’re dusting off the porch furniture or getting the garden ready, your plumbing system deserves some attention, too. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® to make sure your plumbing system starts the season on the right foot.
Keeping Pipes in Good Shape After a Cold Winter
Winter does a number on plumbing systems, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. Pipes contract in the cold. If they weren’t properly insulated, that stress adds up. Even if your pipes made it through all our cold nights without freezing solid, those temperature changes can leave them weak in spots. As spring rolls in, that thawing and refreezing cycle comes to an end, but the damage it caused doesn’t just disappear. Checking your plumbing for leaks right as the weather starts to warm up makes a big difference. Sometimes, you’ll catch obvious signs like damp spots under sinks or dripping noises you didn’t notice during the colder months. Other times, leaks stay hidden behind walls or under floors, only showing themselves once the damage starts to spread. Taking a walk around your home and looking for anything out of place helps catch small problems before they grow. Looking at outdoor faucets and hoses also helps. Any pipes that run along the exterior of your home deal with more temperature shifts than those tucked away inside. Turning on those spigots for the first time after winter and watching for water pressure problems or leaks helps you spot issues before they worsen.
Why Spring Is a Good Time to Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter. When temperatures drop, it has to use more energy to keep the water at a comfortable temperature. You might not notice the extra strain at first, but by spring, some of the wear and tear starts to show. Checking your water heater after winter can help catch problems early. Sediment buildup causes a lot of issues for tank-style heaters, especially when they’ve been working overtime. Those small particles settle at the bottom of the tank and harden, which makes the heater work harder to get the water hot. Flushing the tank helps clear out that buildup and helps keep things running smoothly. Looking for signs of rust around the tank or listening for rumbling noises also gives you a good idea of whether your heater is performing the way it should. If you have a tankless system, spring is still a good time for maintenance by our professionals. Descaling the unit and checking connections helps keep performance up when you need hot water most.
Clearing Drains and Preventing Clogs
Drains handle a lot more than you might think. During the colder months, it’s easy for debris to build up in pipes without your noticing. Hair, soap residue, and other particles slowly collect, especially when the water flow isn’t as strong. Spring is a great time to clear those drains before bigger problems show up. Running hot water through sinks, showers, and tubs helps wash away some of the buildup. But if you notice slow drainage or gurgling sounds, that’s usually a sign the pipes need more than a quick flush. Cleaning your drains regularly helps prevent clogs and keeps water flowing where it’s supposed to. Taking care of them before the warmer months also means you won’t have to worry about backups when your plumbing system is used more. Outdoor drains also deserve some attention. Leaves, dirt, and other debris gather around those openings, especially after winter’s wind and snow. Checking them for blockages helps prevent flooding or water damage when spring rain starts coming down.
Testing Sump Pumps and Preventing Floods
Spring often brings more rain to Ann Arbor, which can cause problems if your sump pump isn't working properly. Basements and crawl spaces collect moisture even when everything's fine. If your sump pump stops working, that moisture can quickly turn into a bigger issue. There are also certain issues that are unique to winter, since they’re caused by subzero temperatures. Testing your sump pump in advance helps you stay ahead of any potential issues. Pouring a bucket of water into the pit lets you see if the pump activates the way it should. If it doesn’t turn on right away or sounds like it’s struggling, it’s worth checking for any blockages or power problems.
Most Common Sump Pump Issues:
- Faulty float switch
- Clogged or frozen discharge/intake lines
- Burnt-out capacitor
- Faulty float switch
- Leaks due to improper installation or freezing
Even if your pump kicks in, inspecting the discharge line helps ensure everything works properly. Checking that the line isn’t blocked or frozen helps keep water moving away from your home. Adding a backup power source is another smart move. A power outage during a storm can leave your sump pump useless right when you need it most. Taking the time to test your sump pump and clear the discharge line helps avoid moisture-related problems when spring storms hit.
Checking Water Pressure and Avoiding Problems
Water pressure can change for lots of reasons, but cold weather is a big one. Pipes that shrank during winter can end up with leaks, which makes the pressure drop. Checking your water pressure when it warms up helps you see if your system’s working right. Turning on faucets throughout your house and paying attention to how the water flows helps you catch weak spots. If one tap doesn’t flow as strongly as the others, that’s usually a sign of a leak or clog somewhere along the line. Testing both hot and cold water helps you narrow down the problem. Problems with water pressure also point to more serious issues like blockages or corrosion. If your home uses older pipes, especially ones made from galvanized steel, those materials break down faster than newer options. Having a professional replace corroded pipes helps keep your system running smoothly and water quality high.
Preparing Outdoor Plumbing for Warmer Weather
While your indoor plumbing fixtures take most of the spotlight, outdoor fixtures deserve attention as well. Garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and outdoor faucets handle a lot of pressure changes throughout the winter. Turning them on for the first time in spring helps you catch issues before you start using them regularly. Cracked hoses or damaged spigots will become obvious once you start running water through them. Checking connections and making sure everything works properly helps you avoid leaks or water waste. If your home uses an irrigation system, spring is a good time to test those lines and make sure they’re working correctly. Sprinkler heads can clog or break, especially if you haven’t used them in months. It’s a good idea to call a professional to have them repaired or replaced. Keeping outdoor plumbing in good shape helps you avoid headaches when the weather really heats up. Taking a little time to inspect those fixtures and lines goes a long way toward keeping your system running smoothly.
Let Us Help You With Your Spring Maintenance
Giving your plumbing a once-over each spring helps keep your system reliable and your home safe from unexpected damage. Whether it’s fixing minor leaks, testing sump pumps, or checking for hidden issues, a little maintenance goes a long way, but there are times when you will need the assistance of a trained and experienced expert. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, our goal is to offer the professional services you need to ensure your plumbing works as it should. Call today to schedule your spring plumbing maintenance and get peace of mind that you have pipes and fixtures you can rely on. Our spring maintenance services cover it all, from sump pump checks and water heater maintenance to full plumbing inspections, leak detection, and other essentials for Ann Arbor homeowners.
