Spring is officially here! As the snow and ice melt away and are replaced by green grass and budding flowers, most Ottawa homeowners are ready for a thorough spring cleaning.
Here we’ll share a handful of important plumbing maintenance tasks that you can add to your spring cleaning list for this year:
Check Pipes for Leaks
The stress of winter weather and the large shifts in temperature can cause a lot of strain on your plumbing system. Over time, pipes can begin to show signs of wear or even begin to crack. Small cracks can lead to leaks or mould issues — but can also develop into larger issues such as a burst pipe and a damaging flood.
Bringing in an experienced plumber to inspect the pipes and perform any necessary repairs is a good part of a spring maintenance routine to prevent future catastrophes.
Test Your Sump Pump
Spring means rain and rain means that your sump pump may be working extra hard to keep excess water out of your home. Take the time to do a check-up on your sump pump ahead of time so that you aren’t left dealing with an emergency scenario if the sump pump decides to quit at the worst possible time.
Empty the Gutters
Leaves and debris can build up in the gutters and eaves troughs around your home over the long autumn and winter months. When these gutters are clogged, it disrupts the proper flow of water away from your home, which can lead to excess water draining around the foundation of your home and into your plumbing system.
With a sturdy ladder and some effort, you can empty out your gutters and make sure that water is flowing as expected.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Spring is a good time to check your water heater to make sure that you aren’t left having expectedly ice cold showers. Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater which can lead to the unit running less efficiently or even failing altogether. Preventative maintenance helps extend the life of your water heater and identifies any other unusual or unexpected problems, such as leaks or noises.
Check for Mould or Mildew
Mould or mildew is a sign of moisture issues in a home. It may start due to the conditions of the home, such as a basement with high humidity, or it can be the sign of issues and damage with your piping.
Mould is a large health risk, so it should be a priority to quickly deal with both any mould growth as well as the cause of the problem.
Looking for a plumber in Ottawa?
If you want peace of mind that everything is in order and your home is ready for summer, now’s the right time to give us a call.
An expert plumber from ABC Plumbing & Heating can come out to your home and plumbing systems.
We’ll be happy to point out any potential warning signs and speak to any of your concerns. We may also be able to identify and perform any preventative maintenance needed!
For more information call us today at 1 (613) 489-0120.