With the seasons comes a shift in demands on your home plumbing system. Whether you are getting your pipes ready for freezing winter temperatures or ensuring your drains are clear for spring showers, seasonal plumbing maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future. Here is how you can maintain your plumbing system in top condition throughout the year.
Inspect and Maintain Pipes
Seasonal plumbing preparation prioritizes checking all pipes for leaks, cracks, or weak areas. An inspection from a professional plumber could let you know about any problem areas in your plumbing system and needed repairs. Well-maintained pipes can prevent serious water damage in addition to your utility bills from running high.
Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter
Winters evoke conditions under which pipes may freeze, burst and cause much damage to the property. Follow the steps below to prevent that from happening:
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and garages.
- Keep your home above freezing at all times, even if you are away.
- Let some faucets drip just a little to keep ice blockages from forming.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
If your pipes freeze, call an emergency plumber immediately so that they don’t do further damage.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder during the colder months. Thus, maintenance should be performed regularly. To improve efficiency and prolong life, drain tanks and flush them to remove sediment buildup. If the water heater cannot be fixed, a plumbing service can check the problem, making sure you have hot water when you most need it.
Clean and Maintain Drains
The changing seasons tend to bring with them debris that accumulates on your drains, causing clogging and slower drainage. Regularly cleaning your drains helps to avoid possible backups and unpleasant odors. Use drain strainers to trap hair and other debris, and do not pour grease or large food particles down the sink. If you have incessant clogs, hire a plumbing professional for thorough drain cleaning in Marana, AZ.
Prepare for Spring and Summer Rain
Heavy rains bring overwhelming conditions during spring and summer, and your plumbing system suffers serious consequences like flooding in basements or sewer backups. To prepare:
- Clear gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
- Install a pump or test whether one you already have is functioning.
- Inspect and clean sewer lines to prevent them from backing up in storm conditions.
Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Seasonal care applies to outdoor plumbing components such as sprinkler systems, garden hoses, and outdoor faucets. Before winter, all outdoor water supplies must be turned off so as not to freeze, while the sprinkler systems were drained before the frost strikes. Check for leaks in summer and fix any messed-up pipes to ensure that watering is efficient.
Test Water Pressure
Irregularities in water pressure might suggest hidden leaks, blockages within pipes, or the need for repair in your plumbing installation. While low water pressure results in poor performance of day-to-day activities, high water pressure damages piping over time. Call a licensed plumber to check your water pressure and provide recommendations if needed.
Check for Leaks and Water Waste
Some hidden leaks in plumbing systems become visible during seasonal changes. Also check below sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for moisture or mold growth. Fixing leaks early keeps damage to a minimum in addition to reducing the expense of a high water bill.
Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance
Regular visits from a plumbing service would be able to find minor problems before they lead to bigger ones. Regular maintenance, which includes some of the following things, like drain cleaning, pipe inspections, and plumbing installation upgrades, would assure the efficiency of your system at all times in the year.
Wrapping Up
Keeping plumbing in homes ready for the seasons is an important aspect of avoiding emergencies and keeping plumbing efficient. Whether it is for preventive maintenance or just an emergency plumber for urgent repairs, being proactive will save time, money, and hassle. By following these tips and working with our reliable plumber in Marana, AZ, you should keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly through every season. Contact us today to learn more about our 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Marana and its surrounding areas.