While the seasonal change in Utah is taking a bit longer this year than it might normally, we’ll soon be moving from the heaviest parts of winter into spring and even, eventually, summer. For homeowners and residents around the state, a few very simple checks and bits of maintenance to your plumbing system and its various components may go a long way to maintaining system lifespan and efficiency.
At City Creek Plumbing, we’re here to help. We offer a huge range of plumbing repair and specific plumbing solutions to clients around Kaysville, Layton and other parts of Utah, including things like seasonal inspections and upgrades to keep your system in great shape throughout the year. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over a number of simple plumbing tips for the spring period that can either be performed on your own or with the help of our plumbers as-needed.
Cleaning Downspouts and Discharge Areas
Depending on the precise setup of your home, you may have several different downspouts and discharge areas around it. These are the spots where water exits your gutters after being collected, and they’re absolutely essential to keep clear of debris for proper functioning. In most cases, you can do this yourself by simply using a hose or other cleaning tool to run water through the area until the clog is removed.
While your main rain gutters are naturally important here, it’s also vital to think about other water discharge areas within your home. These include furnace or AC condensate lines, which are often exterior and need to be checked for buildups of dirt, leaves and other debris.
Sump Pump Inspection
If your home contains a sump pump, which is a common feature in many basements, then you’ll want to inspect it carefully during the spring season. This should include checking for any signs of leakage or other issues, as well as testing to ensure that the pump is functioning properly.
You can do this by filling a bucket with water and pouring it into the sump pit until the float triggers the pump to activate. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to contact a professional for assistance.
Proper Timing for Outdoor Water Turn-On
Assuming you’ve diligently turned your exterior water off during the winter season, it’s important to properly turn it back on in the spring. This should be done with care and attention, especially if you had problems with your pipes freezing or bursting last year.
The first item here is ensuring proper timing. In most cases, you’ll want to wait until the required temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days, as this will help ensure that your pipes are in good condition before you turn things back on. Additionally, check all faucets and valves in the area carefully to make sure they’re all functioning properly.
In part two of our series, we’ll dive deeper into a few additional maintenance tips for spring that you should consider for your plumbing system. In the meanwhile, if you’re located in Kaysville or Layton, UT and are looking for assistance from a local plumber, don’t hesitate to contact City Creek Plumbing today! Our team is here to help with all your plumbing questions and concerns.