Spring Plumbing Tips
While we still may be a few months away from the official start of spring, the ice in Vancouver is beginning to melt and the rain will soon be back in full force. As this is the coldest winter Vancouver has experienced in almost a decade, issues can arise when the ground begins to thaw. So, how can you prepare your pipes for spring? Check out our Spring Plumbing Tips.
Here are 5 Spring Plumbing Tips to ensure your plumbing is just as ready for spring as you are:
- Inspect your indoor plumbing
- Check your sump pump
- Drains, downspouts, and gutters check
- Check your water heater
- Delay the use of your sprinkler
If you have an emergency, contact our 24/7 emergency service line at 604-873-3551.
1. Inspect your indoor plumbing
When the ground begins to thaw outside, take a look at the walls that your water pipes run against, inside. Over the cold winter months, pipes can freeze and crack. Ensure that there are not any visible water spots or stains on the walls. If you can see a hint of discolouration, this is a strong sign that a water leak may be present somewhere behind the wall. Also, check under your sinks and along the wall where the piping runs as a pipe may have broken inside the wall.
2. Check your sump pump
Vancouver is known for heavy rainfall conditions. Having a sump pump installed on your property will prevent flooding and damage – as long as it is working correctly. To check your sump pump, pour a few buckets of water in the sump pit. If the system is working correctly, it should turn on soon after pouring the water in. It will then discharge the water and turn itself off. If this doesn’t happen, the system may not be working correctly. Have a professionally trained sump pump technician inspect your sump pump and make repairs as necessary.
3. Drains, downspouts and gutter checks
Over the fall and winter months in Vancouver, your drains, downspouts and gutters collect a lot of debris from heavy rainfall and snow. To prevent overflow and water damage from occurring, regular cleaning is required. You can climb onto your roof to clean it yourself, or you can hire a professional drain cleaning service to take care of it for you.
4. Water heater check
To check your water heater, look at the temperature setting on the unit. The temperature should be set to no higher than 120°F/49°C. Ensure the temperature is correct to prevent scalding and reduce unnecessary energy use.
5. Delay the use of your sprinkler
Frost on the ground is still very prevalent in the early spring. These colder temperatures can cause damage to your sprinkler system. We understand that everyone wants to have a healthy green lawn in the summertime, but it is best to hold off so that you’re not spending money on sprinkler and plumbing system repairs. While watering your lawn may seem unnecessary in the spring months in Vancouver, if you do feel the need to water your lawn, use the hose. Ensure you unhook the hose after use to prevent your pipes from bursting if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
And that’s it! These five simple checks will ensure you have a worry-free spring for your plumbing system. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Universal Plumbing & Heating.
As a trusted Vancouver plumber, Universal Plumbing & Heating has taken the stress out of finding a reliable plumbing professional.
