Summer in Caledonia is a great time to go swimming, but that does not mean you want water inside the house. This is why it is essential to prepare your plumbing before summer arrives. Keeping up with the maintenance prevents leaks and water damage in your home. A professional plumber can also help with maintenance and leak prevention.
1. Inspect Your Fixtures and Pipes for Leaks
Your fixtures and pipes may have hidden leaks from seasonal expansion or frozen pipes. Unfortunately, you may not have noticed these issues during spring, and failure to identify and address them now could result in costly repairs that put a damper on your summer. Plus, these leaks lead to higher water bills.
There are several spaces to check for leaks and water damage, starting with under the sinks. Pay attention to signs of water damage, such as moisture, mold growth and warped cabinetry. The damage may have also escalated to visible drips and puddles.
Next, inspect your faucets and toilets for leaks and listen for running water. One idea is to put food coloring in your toilet and wait for about 15 minutes without flushing. If the water in the bowl changes color, there is a toilet leak.
You also want to check the pipes in your basement or crawlspace for condensation and damage, including cracks, rust and visible leaking.
2. Keep an Eye on the Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a common sign of leaks and other plumbing issues. It is one thing to experience low pressure when someone is using the water at the same time, but low water pressure should not be an ongoing problem.
There are several ways to keep an eye on the water pressure, such as checking the pressure gauge for your main water supply. You can do this by turning the faucet on and reading the gauge dial. If the reading is below 40 psi, you have low water pressure.
Another option is to invest in a flow meter device to check your water flow rates, which you can purchase from various retailers. You can also upgrade your home to a smart water pressure monitoring system for easier tracking.
If you need assistance with checking the water pressure, a professional plumber from Southport Home Services can check your pressure and identify possible leaks before they escalate.
3. Check and Address the Outdoor Plumbing
The outdoor plumbing is just as important as the indoor plumbing because exterior water can leak into the foundation and walls. This can lead to soil erosion, cracks, mold and mildew and a weakened structure. The key is to catch outdoor plumbing issues before they cause problems inside your home, especially if you plan to use the water for garden and lawn care, car washing, water play and other summer activities.
There are a few tasks to add to your outdoor plumbing maintenance checklist for a leak-free home in Caledonia.
Replace damaged garden hoses. If any of your garden hoses have holes or other damage, replace them soon so you can use the water outside this summer. You can also call a plumber to inspect and repair your garden hose.
Inspect your hose bibs. A hose bib is the outdoor faucet on your house, and you must inspect it for leaks. Undetected leaks lead to water waste and potential foundation damage. You may need a plumber to repair or replace the hose end, washers and packing nuts.
Check the sprinkler heads. You want to inspect your sprinkler heads for misalignment, blockage, or damage. In addition to leaks, faulty sprinkler heads lead to uneven spraying and inadequate water for your lawn.
Pay attention to underground leaks. If you notice soggy areas in your yard, there may be a hidden leak that requires professional assistance.
4. Ensure Your Drains Are Clean and Clear
It is not uncommon for debris like hair, soap scum, grease and even food particles to accumulate in your drains over time. However, failure to remove debris leads to clogged drains that escalate to bigger plumbing issues, like back pressure that leads to leaks.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your drains clean and clear. Start by flushing the drains with baking soda and hot water. This breaks down the residue and allows it to properly drain. Next, invest in drain strainers to catch various debris, from food in the kitchen sink to hair in the bathtub or shower. You also want to avoid pouring certain substances down the sink, such as coffee grounds, eggshells, cooking oil and grease.
It never hurts to have professional help with your plumbing, so consider the maintenance plan from Southport Home Services in Caledonia. We offer routine drain cleaning to remove all debris you may have missed during your maintenance. This way, you have extra help in preventing clogs that can damage your pipes. You can think of our maintenance plan as an extra layer of protection for your plumbing system.
5. Test Your Sump Pump to Prepare for Rain
Rain is not uncommon in Caledonia, so inspecting your sump pump for leaks and poor operation is essential. Otherwise, you may spend the summer dealing with basement flooding, mold growth and water damage. A leaking sump pump also poses a hazard to the basement’s electrical systems.
There are several potential causes of a leaking sump pump, including old age, wear and tear, a blocked check valve, a stuck float switch or a damaged discharge pipe. Head to your basement or crawlspace to check and address your sump pump before your next major rainfall.
Once you locate the sump pump, pour about five gallons of water into the sump pit. Pay attention to the pump to ensure it activates. The water should start draining immediately, so listen to the pump to ensure it is operating smoothly.
Next, check the discharge line to ensure water channels away from the foundation. If your sump pump drains slowly or does not activate at all, it may be failing. Fortunately, a plumber can determine whether you need a sump pump repair or replacement.
If you notice the following signs, your sump pump is already leaking and requires immediate attention from a plumber.
- Pooling water
- Strange sounds
- Unpleasant smells
- Continuous or no running
- Rust or corrosion
- Mold growth
Schedule a Routine Drain Cleaning With Southport Home Services Today
There are a variety of reasons for a leak in your home, from a clogged drain to faulty outdoor plumbing. Fortunately, a plumber from Southport Home Services in Caledonia can identify and address the underlying cause. We have been serving the area since 2005, and every team member has undergone training for tasks ranging from routine drain and sewer cleaning to sump pump repair and fixture installations. Our company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and high ratings on Google, Facebook and Angi.
If you need to schedule a routine drain cleaning, contact Southport Home Services today. We will send a professional plumber to your home shortly.
