Your Spring Plumbing Checklist

Your springtime plumbing checklist in Portland OR & Vancouver WA - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Your springtime plumbing checklist in Portland OR & Vancouver WA - D&F Plumbing, Heating and CoolingSpring has sprung, but hopefully a leak hasn’t! With the warmer weather rolling in, it’s time to tackle that to-do list that’s been piling up all winter – and that includes taking a look at your plumbing system. To make sure your system is in great shape for the new season, go through this spring plumbing checklist:

Check for Leaks & Clogs

Winter can wreak havoc on your plumbing system – particularly on the pipes or fixtures that are located outdoors or near external walls. To make sure nothing is leaking and causing damage throughout your home, it’s a good idea to check around your property for any leaks or clogs. If you notice any issues, a professional plumber can help identify and fix the root cause of the problem while preventing any further damage to your home.

Change Your Hoses

While you’re checking your pipes and fixtures for leaks or damage, you can also take a look at the condition of your hoses. Check the hoses to your dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, and other appliances. Keep an eye out for any bulging or discoloration in addition to leaking and cracks. You or a professional can replace any damaged or worn out hoses to keep your appliances functioning flawlessly.

Clean Your Storm Drains

If your storm drains are clogged, you could face some serious flooding during springtime rain. Taking the time to remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris from your storm drains will keep things flowing properly, which will protect your property while preventing other issues like soil erosion. If you run into serious blockages or drainage issues, then it may be useful to invest in an outdoor drain cleaning service to keep everything in good working order.

Test Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump plays a big role in preventing basement flooding, particularly during times of heavy rain. That’s why spring is the perfect time of year to check in on your sump pump and make sure it’s functioning properly. To test your sump pump, first look to make sure that it’s plugged in correctly. Then, pour a bucket of water into the basin to see if the pump is able to clear it. If your sump pump is unable to clear the water, or you notice any signs of moisture issues in your basement, then it may be time to contact a professional.

Adjust Your Water Heater

Water heaters get a lot of use in the cold winter months, which is why spring is the perfect time of year to perform any maintenance and check in on your system. An expert can flush your tank while also screening for any potential issues to make sure yours is working wonderfully for the new season. Now is also a good time to turn down the temperature, which will save you money during the spring and summer.

Plumbing Inspection Guide for New Homeowners

Man inspecting underneath sink. D and F Plumbing serving Portland OR and Vancouver WA talks about the importance of a plumbing inspection for new homeowners.

Man inspecting underneath sink. D and F Plumbing serving Portland OR and Vancouver WA talks about the importance of a plumbing inspection for new homeowners.Are you in the market for a new home in the Portland metro area? You may want to consider having a plumbing inspection performed. Plumbing inspections aren’t required in most cases, but they are very useful and can potentially save you money and headaches in the future. The last thing you want is to purchase a home only to learn that you now need to invest in new plumbing.

What a Plumbing Inspection Involves

Most plumbing contractors have a checklist they use when performing an inspection, but feel free to give them additional tasks if you have a concern they aren’t aware of. The following are some common plumbing fixtures and parts your plumber should take a look at when performing an inspection.

Pipes

If you are purchasing an older home, the piping may have not been replaced in a while. Find out how old your pipes are and the material they are made of. If your inspection discovers that you have galvanized pipes, lead pipes or older bronze or brass fittings, you’ll want to have your water tested.

Main Sewer Line

Most plumbing companies offer a video sewer inspection service. With this small camera, your plumber will be able to identify any serious blockages in your sewer line or if you have tree roots invading your sewer line.

Septic System

Is the home not connected to a municipal sewer system? Have your plumber check the entire septic system including the drainfield. A non-functioning septic system will lead to seepage and pose health hazards.

Toilets

Your plumber should make sure all the toilets in the home are securely in place and ensure there aren’t any leakage or drainage issues. A leaky toilet could cause damage to your flooring. The flappers on the toilets should be checked to make sure they aren’t leaking as well.

Water Pressure and Water Discoloration

During the inspection, your plumber should run the water in the home. This not only helps determine if the pressure fits your needs but it may also be a sign of an underlying problem in the waterline. In addition to checking the water pressure, the drainage should also be examined. Slow drainage may be a sign of a serious blockage further down in your plumbing.

Discolored water should not be used for cooking or drinking. Discolored water may come from a variety of sources. Your plumbing contractor will have to inspect the plumbing throughout the home to identify the root cause before making the necessary repairs.

Water Meter

Checking the water meter is another step your plumber may inspect. If all of the faucets and shut off and the water meter is still turning, this shows there may be a leak somewhere.

Water Heater

It’s important not to forget the water heater when purchasing a home. Water heaters supply the home with hot water. These appliances can be complicated so be sure to hire a plumber who is certified to install and service water heaters.

An inspection will identify signs of corrosion and ensure there are no leaks. Find out how old the water heater is and verify the last time it was serviced. If the water is older than 10 years, you may need a replacement.

Learn More From Your Local Plumber

Don’t get lost in the excitement of buying a home. Take precautions now to ensure you are purchasing a good investment.

Many plumbing companies offer plumbing inspections on homes. They’ll let you know what should be inspected and when it’s done, they’ll tell you what needs to be repaired or replaced.