Identifying Potential Spring Plumbing Problems

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your water lines and pipes, but you may not fully be aware until winter comes to an end. As the ice and snow begin to melt away with the warmer weather, plumbing problems can start to spring up (pun not intended). The best defense against these plumbing problems is to know what to look for in the first place, then address them properly.

Look for Leaky Pipes

One of the biggest indicators of a plumbing leak (aside from actually seeing the leak) is your water bill going up. If you’re sure you haven’t been using more water than usual, but see an increase in your utility bill, a leak may be to blame. There are a few main areas to look when searching for a potential leak:

Inspect Your Spigots

Your outside spigots can be affected by weather and temperature changes simply due to their location. Testing spigots is pretty easy. Attach your garden hose to the spigot and turn on the water. If you see water coming through where the hose is connected to the spigot, make sure the hose is attached tightly. If the connection is tight and you’re still seeing water leaking, it’s time to replace its rubber hose gasket. By the way, if you saw freezing water connected to your spigots this winter, there’s a leak.  

Test Your Water Meter

No need to play the guessing game when it comes to your water bill. A surefire way to test your home for a leak is to shut off every faucet, turn off the washing machine, and make sure your dishwasher isn’t running. In short, make sure the water in your house is not running. Next, take a look at your water meter. If you notice that your water meter is still running, a leak is probable.

Unclog Drains

Don’t forget your drains when you start your spring cleaning. Clogged drains can lead to serious problems, including backups and flooding. A sink clog is annoying and can smell terrible, so it can be tempting to pour a bunch of chemicals down the drain in an attempt to burn through the clog. Before you shop for a clog remover, there are a few tried and true DIY methods worth a try.

Green Drain Cleaner

Sprinkle about a half a cup of baking soda down your drain, then pour a full cup of vinegar into it. Wait for the bubbles to subside, then turn on your hot water to rinse through. If this isn’t working, boil water in a pot on your stove, then pour down the drain. When there’s hair stuck in your drain, you may have to get physical.

Physically Removing Drain Clogs

When worst comes to worst, you may have to physically go in after the clog. A plunger can be helpful, if there isn’t a ton of hair matted in the clog. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use the same plunger you use on your toilet on your sink. Instead, invest in a sink plunger, which is a small version of a toilet plunger. You can find one at your local hardware store for around $10.

Call a Professional Plumber

If your drain is still clogged, it may be time to contact a professional plumber. There are augers available to remove a stubborn clog, but without plumbing experience, you could end up causing damage that will end up needing to be repaired or replaced.

Test Your Sump Pump

Spring is the perfect time to check your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly. With melting snow, you’ll want to be sure it’s keeping up with demand, so your basement stays dry.

Raise the Sump Float

Run enough water through the sump pump to raise the float. This will trigger the pump to turn on. It’s important to check that the water is being removed and that the pump isn’t simply running, but not working.

Contact the Licensed Plumbing Professionals at Cyclone Contracting

When you experience plumbing problems, it’s important to contact licensed plumbing professionals right away, so you know the issue is fixed the right way the first time. We all know that plumbing issues don’t just pop up during “normal business hours.” That’s why our plumbing service is available to you 24/7. From drain problems and water lines to sump pump installation and service, we’re ready to help, so licensed plumbing professionals when you need us.