Saskatoon Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
In Saskatoon, springtime is a vital time for your plumbing. As the snow melts and spring rains begin, you want your plumbing, gutters, and drain systems to be in good shape. The warming season also means you’ll want to get your sprinklers and outdoor taps back online. This is why springtime plumbing maintenance is crucial. You’ll want to check your plumbing systems thoroughly. Depending on the design of your home, it’s a good idea to check your indoor pipes and faucets, outdoor plumbing, water heater, sump pump, and drain systems each spring.
This checklist will help you ensure everything is clear and restarts well for the warm weather ahead.
Check the Pipes and Faucets
- • Inspect for leaks and corrosion
- • Test each faucet and tap
Start by checking all visible plumbing for dampness that might indicate a leak or corrosion that could lead to a leak in the future. Damages such as cracks or dents should also catch your eye. You should also run each faucet and check each tap (ex: connecting the washing machine or refrigerator) to confirm they are working right. If you notice any issues, you can tighten loose connections with a pipe wrench and temporarily patch small cracks in your pipes with patch tape before calling a plumber to replace the damaged pieces.
Inspect the Water Heater
- • Check the temperature
- • Check the pressure relief valve
- • Flush the tank with vinegar
- • Inspect for leaks and corrosion
You can keep your water heater in good shape with a quick inspection and by flushing out sediment and scale. Check the temperature and pressure valve to ensure everything is working right. Flush your tank (drain with a garden hose from the lower valve) to clear sediment, and rinse with vinegar to remove mineral scale. Then check the entire tank for signs of leaks or corrosion.
Check the Sump Pump
- • Test the sump pump in a bucket
- • Clean out the sump pit
If you have a basement, you likely have a sump pump to keep it clear from gathering moisture. You can ensure your sump pump is working correctly by dropping it into a bucket of water. You can also improve its function by cleaning debris and sediment from your sump pit to keep it nice and clear.
Inspect the Drains
- • Check your drain speeds
- • Flush with hot water and vinegar
- • Use a snake to clear clogs and buildup
To keep your drains in good working order, do a speed test. Start the tap running on full blast for a minute or two, or pour a gallon of water into each sink and tub to see if your drains are moving quickly and don’t back up. If they are slow, you can flush minerals and buildup with a pot filled with hot water and vinegar. You can use a plastic drain tool or a full-sized drain snake to clear out cold clogs and winter buildup.
Check the Outdoor Plumbing
- • Inspect spigots and hoses
- • Do a test run of the sprinkler system
In Saskatoon, we typically put outdoor plumbing away for the winter, so now is the time to bring it back to life. Remove the insulating covers from your spigots and hoses and inspect them for damage before use. Then, fire up your sprinkler system to check for leaks and proper functioning before your lawn fully returns to life.
Get Your Plumbing in Gear with Pro Service Mechanical
Springtime plumbing maintenance is essential to ensure that your taps and drains are ready for the water pressure that comes with our warm seasons. If you run into problems with your springtime plumbing, Pro Services Mechanical is here to help. Whether you find corrosion on your pipes or leaks in your sprinkler system, our local plumbing experts can get to you for quick repairs and friendly service.
Have a springtime plumbing emergency? No problem. Call us, and we’ll make an ASAP appointment for 24/7 emergency plumbing services.