Spring is an ideal time for homeowners in the Grand Rapids, MI area to focus on routine plumbing maintenance. Winter can put a lot of wear and tear on pipes, appliances, drains, and sewers. Working with a professional to ensure your plumbing system is in top shape and ready for warmer weather protects home value and prevents water damage.

Inspecting for Leaks

Temperatures can get quite cold in Grand Rapids, leading to water freezing and thawing in your pipes throughout winter. This can cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to leaks. It doesn’t take much water to result in serious water damage and mold growth. That’s why it’s ideal to spot these problems early and have them fixed.

Also, leaks can be expensive. A small leak can waste gallons of water each day, raising your monthly water bill anywhere from $10 to $50 or more. Consider the amount of money it would cost to repair extensive water damage in your wall or ceiling. The cost of mold remediation is also something to consider. Procrastinating on maintenance and repairs isn't worth the risk.

Checking Water Pressure

Low water pressure is obvious when you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water comes out. However, there are slight changes in water pressure that you may not notice. A professional can use specialized equipment to check the water pressure in different areas of your home. Issues can point to a clog, a leaky pipe, or a municipal water problem that you didn’t know you had. Handling these problems before they become obvious is the key to avoiding a potentially messy and expensive hassle later on.

Water Heater Maintenance

You should schedule routine maintenance for your hot water heater at least once per year during your spring maintenance appointment. Having your tank drained and flushed will remove built-up sediment or mineral deposits. This accumulation can cause your water heater to be less efficient and struggle to heat and deliver hot water to your taps and appliances. A professional will also look for loose connections, damaged components, rust, corrosion, and other problems.

Let your plumber know if you feel like your water isn't hot enough or if you’ve noticed changes. Your water heater’s thermostat should generally be set to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal efficiency and safety. If it seems that you must keep adjusting this setting, there might be something wrong with your heating element or thermostat. You may also want to consider insulating your water heater to make it more efficient. This can substantially reduce your monthly energy bill.

A yearly inspection of your water heater’s anode rod is important. This is a sacrificial part inside the tank that collects sediment and minerals to protect the integrity of your system. You should expect to have the anode rod replaced every three to five years.

Preventive Drain Cleaning

Drains can experience a slow buildup of debris over time. You may not notice that drainage is slowing down. When clogs become severe, it can lead to backups and flooding. This can be a safety and health hazard. You should avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your home, as they can damage the insides of your pipes and drains. Professionals can use specialized tools or hydro jetting to safely remove clogs and debris without causing damage or pushing clogs deeper into the system.

Spring Sump Pump Maintenance

Your sump pump gets a lot of use in the springtime. This is because of the thawing that occurs when temperatures rise and the increased rains that arrive with spring and summer. It’s crucial that your sump pump can move this water away from your home to avoid flood damage. You can test it by pouring water into the sump pit until it reaches the point of the float switch. The pump should turn on and empty the pit before turning off again. If the pump doesn’t turn on or you notice symptoms like strange noises, have a professional plumber investigate.

Spring maintenance for your sump pump can include cleaning components, removing debris from the pit, unclogging intake and discharge lines, and potentially installing a battery backup for peace of mind. The drain line may also need to be cleaned to create a clear path for water to move through.

Maintenance for Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Your outdoor faucets, fixtures, and equipment should all be inspected in the spring. You’ll be relying on this equipment for everything from watering plants, washing cars, and filling up pools. It’s important to spot leaks and damage that could compromise these fixtures. You should also have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and inspected to ensure water can safely move away from your roof and home. Pooling water can saturate the ground and damage buried pipes and foundations.

Toilet Maintenance

You use your toilet multiple times throughout the day, but it’s common for homeowners to neglect maintenance for this important appliance. Toilets can experience slow leaks between the tank and bowl, wasting a substantial amount of water. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t notice a problem. 

You can check for a leak by adding a few drops of food coloring into the top tank of your toilet. Come back approximately one hour later. If you notice any dye in the toilet bowl, it has a leak. The fix may be as simple as replacing a flapper or gasket, which a plumber can handle for you quickly.

Spring Appliance Maintenance

Several appliances in your home use water, such as your washing machine and dishwasher. Inspect the supply hoses for these appliances to ensure they aren’t leaking and aren’t clogged with debris or mineral deposits. If hoses appear damaged or worn out, replace them immediately. This will prevent leaks and damage to your appliances.

Keep an Eye on Your Water Use

Check your water meter periodically. It’s usually in your basement or utility room, but some homes have it installed on the exterior, near the main water supply. If all your faucets and fixtures are turned off but the meter is moving, it’s likely that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Also, watch your monthly bill for signs of sudden increases with no known cause. These issues should be addressed by a professional who can accurately diagnose the problem.

Assessing Plumbing System Age

Routine spring maintenance is the ideal way to have a professional assess your plumbing system, especially if you live in an older home in Grand Rapids. In addition to spotting problems that can be quickly fixed, there may come a time when pipe replacement and other work is necessary. Yearly spring maintenance can provide you with important insight into the expected longevity of your water lines, appliances, and fixtures. You’ll be able to budget and plan ahead for any replacements.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is the go-to friendly team in Grand Rapids to help with spring plumbing maintenance. We’ll inspect your system to ensure everything is working efficiently and safely. Our team can also perform any necessary repairs and take care of your plumbing upgrades and replacements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable and experienced team.