When spring rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about the status of your outdoor plumbing. As the weather starts to warm up, these fixtures will see increased usage, which is why you need to be 100% sure that everything is working properly. Winter can easily play havoc with your plumbing, especially when the fixtures are outside. This is why Southport Home Services has created this step-by-step guide to help you get your outdoor plumbing ready for the spring and summer months.
Make Sure Your Fixtures Are Functioning
This is what professionals in the plumbing industry refer to as a “functionality test.” Turn on all outdoor fixtures with running water to ensure that water flow is at normal levels. The first thing you should look at is water pressure. Is the water flowing at the same levels as before the winter? Second, you should take a look at water continuity. This means that you should monitor the water for a few minutes. If there are periods where the water spurts or stops for a few seconds, this could indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
You can also employ a professional, like one of our staff members at Southport Home Services, to perform a hydrostatic test. These tests will evaluate the integrity of your outdoor plumbing system and detect any leaks that might have formed during the cold months.
Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs for Leaks
Now that the water is flowing, it’s time to visually inspect the system for any leaks that might have formed where you can see them. As the water flows, check the pipes leading to the faucet. If there’s condensation or water trickling on the surface, there is most likely a leak.
If you’re not noticing a problem with this, also check to see if the water is continuing to trickle out of the faucet even when you close it. This is a key indicator that there’s a leak somewhere in the line – most likely caused by a worn-out washer in need of replacement.
Hose bibs provide your home with a means of attaching a hose for tasks like garden watering. Before winter, make sure you disconnect any hoses from the hose bib to prevent freezing and structural damage. Now that it’s spring, turn the water supply to the bib back on and run the water. Visually inspect for any cracks or leaks. You can find these leaks on the pipe itself or around the handle. If you see the presence of water, it may be time for a replacement.
Check the Water Shut-Off Valve
Some homes have interior shut-off valves that lead to exterior plumbing fixtures. You will find the location of most shut-off valves before your water meter in the plumbing system. This allows your plumbing to function with a potential emergency stop when you need it. If you’ve turned off the valve leading to your exterior fixtures, make sure that they are completely open in the spring to prevent any issues with water pressure during the warmer months.
Check Your Drains
As the weather warms, it’s a good idea to check all of your outdoor drains. Over the fall and winter, it’s easy for leaves, dirt, or twigs to block outdoor drainage points. You can check to see if there are any drainage issues by running water down your outdoor drains. See if there are any blockages caused by detritus or ice in the system. While doing this, here are a few signs of a blocked drain to keep an eye out for:
- Water backing up
- Foul-smelling odors
- Gurgling noises
- Slower drainage than usual
- Debris flowing back up the drain
Each of these issues is problematic. Foul-smelling odors mean that there is most likely rotten vegetation, animal, or insect matter somewhere within the system. Gurgling noises mean that there’s most likely a blockage with trapped air within the drainage system.
Water flowing back up with or without debris is also a major problem since this means that, during a rain storm, there could be flooding if the drain isn’t cleared. A blockage can cause slower drainage, but it could also mean a tree root may have intruded into your system. This causes structural damage and internal leaks. If you notice any of these problems, make sure to call us before the problems escalate and become more expensive.
Inspect Your Sprinkler System
One part of the outdoor plumbing system that homeowners often forget about is the sprinkler system. You don’t want clogs in your sprinkler system because this will slow the flow and prevent you from watering your grass and plants. The sprinkler heads and hoses could have damage that makes the unit malfunction.
When checking your sprinkler system, focus on portions of the system, like the sprinkler heads and water lines. These are common places where cracks form from freezing. Also, clean the heads because debris sometimes accumulates on these, which impedes functionality in the spring. Early detection of these issues will help minimize repair costs.
Get Your Outdoor Kitchen Ready for Spring
If you have an outdoor kitchen where you prepare food for family and friends, you need to make sure that the plumbing in this area is working as well. Check for corrosion, leaks, or other damage to the faucets and drains that could have occurred over the winter. Make sure drains are working properly so that standing water is not an issue in your kitchen space. If you have any issues with your outdoor kitchen, we can help ensure that it’s ready for spring gatherings.
Consider Replacements for Aging Fixtures
When outdoor fixtures age, they have a higher chance of leaking because they’re exposed to fluctuating temperatures. These conditions can contribute to more leaks as well as additional wear and tear.
If your outdoor faucets are 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to consider replacing them. This is especially true if corrosion or rust is on the faucet. This makes turning the water on and off more difficult. Worse, forcing the handle can cause leaks. If you don’t address leaks, they can seep into your home and damage the wall where the faucet sits.
Another reason to consider the replacement of the faucets is a water flow decrease. Low water pressure in your outdoor plumbing can be the result of hard water deposits. Old valves and seals can also slow water pressure, so if the faucet isn’t aging, consider this before a replacement.
We Can Help Prepare Your Plumbing Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing is just as important as indoor plumbing, especially if you spend a lot of time outside in the spring. Optimize your outdoor space by maintaining your outdoor plumbing fixtures. At Southport Home Services, we can help with all of your plumbing needs. We have been serving the greater Wisconsin area, including Wausau and Madison, for more than two decades. Call us today to make sure your outdoor plumbing is optimal!
