The winter months in Colorado tend to feature cold temperatures, ice and snow, all of which can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system. It’s critical that routine inspections and service for your home’s plumbing are addressed in a timely manner to prevent structural damage. When spring arrives, this is the perfect time to consider a number of spring plumbing maintenance tasks. Fortunately, many of these projects are relatively quick, easy and affordable to complete.
Check Outdoor Drains
It’s possible that an outdoor drain will become obstructed by leaves, sticks or other debris that might have accumulated during the winter months. There is also a chance that exposure to ice, heavy snow or extreme winds may cause drains to break or experience other types of damage. Removing debris or fixing a crack can help to ensure that these drains keep water away from your property as opposed to potentially pooling near the home’s foundation.
Check Interior Drains for Clogs or Obstructions
It’s possible that hair or a foreign object may result in a drain not working at full capacity. Signs of a clog include a slow drain, sink, toilet or tub, as well as something that doesn’t drain at all. In some cases, you may notice dirty water, sludge or other materials coming out of a drain that is blocked by hair, grease or a physical object.
A combination of vinegar and baking soda can often be used to get rid of a minor clog. Taking apart a drain pipe may be the only way to get rid of a foreign object or very large clog. You may need to call in a professional to use a snake to sufficiently break up and remove whatever is in the pipe.
Check and Drain the Water Heater
Water heaters tend to be located in colder parts of the house, such as basements or garages. While they are designed to withstand the elements, it’s possible that exposure to extremely cold temperatures could result in damage to the tank or other components. This may be especially true for products that were installed in your home more than a decade ago.
You may notice that the tank’s exterior has cracks caused by expansion and contraction caused by exposure to cold temperatures. You may also notice rust, excess condensation or other clues that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced in the near future. Check to see if the pilot light is out or if a warning light has been activated because the unit has malfunctioned.
Choosing to drain a water heater allows you to get rid of sediment that might damage the interior of the tank and reduce its life span. At Coffman & Company in Denver, we can provide you with water heater maintenance or take other steps to ensure that your equipment is in good condition this spring and beyond.
Check Pipes for Leaks
Inspecting the pipes that you can visibly see for signs of cracks, pinholes or other damage is an important part of spring plumbing maintenance. In many cases, you’ll be able to locate and inspect pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as pipes that lead to your toilet or tub. You will also want to inspect any pipes that lead to the water heater or other appliances in your home to ensure that they are in good condition.
It’s possible that you’ll have a water leak even if you don’t find any damaged pipes. Evidence of a water leak may include an expensive utility bill or water pooling inside your house.
If you notice any plumbing issues taking place in your home, it’s important to seek help quickly to ensure the safety of your home and your family. It’s worth noting that even if you see water dripping from a pipe, that may not be where the leak is coming from.
The next time you need help with your water heater, gas pipes or other plumbing components, give Coffman & Company a call. We can also help with other services such as heating system installation and repair, air conditioning installation and maintenance, mini-split installation as well as perform an indoor air quality assessment to help you determine how you can achieve a healthier interior space.
