Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Getting Your Rochester Home Ready

Spring can be the perfect time to give your home a seasonal refresh. Starting with your plumbing. Just like you’d prepare your plumbing for winter, there are steps you can take in the spring to make sure your plumbing systems continue to function perfectly.

In Rochester, where the harsh winters can strain pipes, faucets, boilers, and water heaters, spring plumbing maintenance is essential for preventing costly repairs down the road. From checking for leaks to ensuring your water pressure is just right, a little upkeep now can save you a lot of hassle later. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, following this checklist will help keep your plumbing in top shape and ensure your home is ready to handle the demands of the warmer months ahead.

Check Your Gutters

Checking your gutters as the season turns to spring is vital for home maintenance. Heavy spring rains can cause clogged gutters to overflow, leading to potential damage to your home.

Clean Your Gutters

If you didn’t get around to cleaning out your gutters after the last few leaves came down in the autumn, you’ll have some wet and soggy leaves to take care of. It’s important that your gutters are clear when the rain starts to fall heavily in the spring, as gutters still filled with leaves, twigs, ice, and other debris can quickly overflow and cause damage to your roof, siding, or foundation. Cleaning out your gutters now ensures proper water flow and protects your home from any water-related issues. 

Inspect Downspout Extensions

Checking your downspout extensions is essential for spring preparation because they help direct water away from your home’s foundation. Over the winter, these extensions can become detached, clogged, or damaged by ice or debris, especially in a snowy climate like Rochester.

If they aren’t working properly, water may pool around the base of your home, leading to potential flooding, erosion, or foundation issues. By ensuring your downspout extensions are clear, securely attached, and directing water away from your property, you can protect your home from costly water damage and ensure that spring rains don’t create unnecessary problems.

Inspect Your Sump Pump

Inspecting your sump pump before spring is important to ensure it’s ready to handle the increased water flow from melting snow and heavy spring rains. Over time, sump pumps can become clogged with debris, or their components can wear out.

A malfunctioning sump pump could lead to water backing up into your basement, causing flooding and potential damage to your property. By testing the pump, clearing any debris, and ensuring it’s in good working order, you can prevent unexpected flooding and protect your home from water damage during the rainy season.

Check Discharge Tubing

If you have a sump pump, it’s important to know where it discharges. Most sump pumps discharge out the side of your house via a short length of piping. Then, the water must be diverted away from the house, usually by attaching tubing to the end of the pipe. 

During the winter, this tubing can become unattached or fill with ice and other debris, so it’s essential to check and make sure it’s clear before heavy rain, which means your sump pump will need clearance to pump water out. You can even disconnect this tubing in the fall and reconnect it in the spring to ensure it doesn’t become clogged.

Test Your Sump Pump

After months of inactivity during the winter, your sump pump may not function properly when needed. Testing it in advance ensures it’s ready to handle the spring runoff and keep your basement dry. 

• Check the Power Supply — Ensure the pump is plugged in and connected to a working power source. If your sump pump is battery-operated, ensure the battery is fully charged or replace it if needed.
• Test the Float Switch — The float switch controls when the pump activates. Lift the float (usually by hand) to simulate rising water levels. The pump should turn on when the float is lifted and turn off when it’s lowered again.
• Pour Water into the Sump Pit — Slowly pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit to simulate a real situation. The sump pump should turn on automatically and begin pumping out the water. Check if the water drains properly and the pump shuts off once the water level drops.
• Inspect the Discharge Pipe — Ensure the discharge pipe is clear of debris and directs the water away from your foundation. Blocked or broken pipes can prevent the pump from working effectively.
• Listen for Unusual Noises — Listen for any grinding or unusual noises while the pump runs. These could indicate mechanical problems that may require a professional inspection.

De-Winterize Outdoor Spigots

De-winterizing outdoor spigots is important to ensure they are ready for use as the temperatures warm up. Your first step should be to turn on the water supply and then open the outdoor faucet fully to allow any residual water left in the pies to drain out. As the water starts to flow, check around the spigot and pipe for any signs of leaks.

If you removed hoses for the winter, check that they are dry and free from damage before reconnecting them to the spigot. You should also check the spigot for any cracks or signs of wear that might have occurred during the cold Rochester winter. If the faucet appears damaged, it may need to be replaced. 

Check Indoor Plumbing Fixtures

Spring is an ideal time to check your indoor plumbing features because the transition from winter to warmer weather often changes water usage and can expose plumbing issues hidden during colder months. Check your appliances for leaks, drains, and clogs, and ensure hoses on appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines are secure and not showing signs of damage.

Get Ready for Spring with Rochester Plumbing & Heating

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home’s heating and plumbing are in top shape. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your plumbing system is ready for the warmer months ahead.

Rochester Plumbing & Heating offers expert services to prepare your systems for the warmer months, from checking your sump pump to inspecting plumbing for potential issues. We can help ensure a smooth transition into spring and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Contact us today for an appointment.