Your A to Z Spring Plumbing Checklist

March 12, 2018

Springtime! Whether it’s a business or a home, it’s the time of year we love to “clean house” and make sure everything is in order. It’s the same with plumbing. So, we have provided a convenient checklist for you to make sure your plumbing is in good working order like everything else.

Indoor Plumbing

Water Heater. Check your water heater tank’s manual to flush it to remove accumulated sediment. Check the temperature to make sure not higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
Dishwasher. Clean the drain of your dishwasher and remove anything blocking it.
Hoses. Check the hoses of the dishwasher, wash machine and ice maker for leaks.
Faucets. Check all exposed pipes and faucets for leaks, including inside the cabinets.
Toilets. Check toilets for cracks and leaks. Check the toilet handle; if it requires maneuvering to flush, parts may need to be changed.
Sump Pump. Dump a bucket of water into the sump pump to make sure it is removing water properly.

Outdoor Plumbing

Faucets. Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks.
Hoses. Check garden hoses for cracks or tears.
Sprinkler System. Flush the sprinkler system and then look for leaks in the heads or lines.
Patio Drains. Clean the drains and ensure water flows properly.
Gutters. Clean all gutters and downspouts of debris and check for damage.
Plumbing Vent Pipes. Check for animal nests near or in plumbing vent pipes.

Tips to Assist with Your Plumbing Checklist

Here are a few tips to help you fulfill this checklist.

At night, just before you go to sleep, check your water meter and then check it in the morning: if the reading is different, you may have a leak.
Make sure all drains have filters or strainers to keep hair and other material from clogging pipes.
Install a backflow valve in floor drains to prevent sewage backups.
Install flood alarms, something akin to fire alarms, to warn you of potential leaks or flooding.
If an outdoor faucet is dripping or if after it was initially turned on and there’s leakage in or outside the home, it may indicate a crack in an unexposed pipe.