Spring has officially “sprung” and that means the good weather will soon be here. After the unusually rainy winter we’ve had in Orange County, residents are looking forward to spending some time outside in the sunshine.
Spring is also a time for tackling DIY tasks involved with the change of seasons. If you don’t already have a list of plumbing maintenance tasks, here are five things you can do to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the spring.
1. Schedule a Water Heater Flush
Your water heater will face increased demand with the arrival of spring and the warm weather. You’ll be taking more hikes, beach trips, camping trips, having people over for barbecues, and more. That means an increased demand for hot water.
Water heater problems can creep up unexpectedly and then suddenly you’re dealing with no hot water in the shower or even worse—no hot water at all. Water heaters should be flushed by a professional plumbing company annually to remove sediment buildup. That’s a service we can take care of for you.
2. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance
Want to make plumbing maintenance as easy as possible? We offer a Plumbing Maintenance Plan that includes an annual inspection of your plumbing system. Here’s what’s included in our MVP Preventative Plumbing Inspection:
- Check toilets and faucets for leaks
- Inspect all exposed hot & cold water piping
- Under sink piping
- Check machine hoses
- Test water pressure regulator
- Inspect the water heater and piping
3. Check Outdoor Irrigation System
If you have an outdoor irrigation system that has been turned off over the winter, test the system before turning it on. Inspect and adjust the sprinkler heads, check the water pressure, inspect the drip irrigation lines, and check the controller settings. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your irrigation system is in good working order and ready to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful.
4. Check Gutters and Storm Drains
Considering the number of storms and “atmospheric rivers” that SoCal experienced this winter, it’s likely that your gutters are clogged with leaves, mud, and debris. If you can do so safely, checking your gutters and storm drains helps prevent water damage, protect against pests, and ensure proper drainage around your property.
Standing water due to clogged gutters is highly attractive to mosquitoes and other pests who use these areas as a breeding ground. Make sure your gutters are free of clogs and debris.
5. Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump (which it should!), you probably relied on it to keep your basement or lower levels of your home dry during the winter rainstorms. For homeowner sump pump maintenance, check the power supply, clean the pump inlet screen, and clean out the pit. You could even test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump pit.
For spring plumbing maintenance to-do tasks that require our expert and professional service, our plumbing technicians are here to help.
Contact Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air for fast, professional plumbing services. We have served Orange County since 1981.