You’re probably familiar with the term “spring cleaning” in the context of tidying up your house. But it can – and should – apply to another aspect of home maintenance: your plumbing. It might not even be apparent, but winter can take a toll on your home’s pipes, drains, and appliances. This is especially true if you have a house that goes unused during the season. From preventing cracked pipes to a flooded basement, here’s a checklist to make sure your plumbing is ready for the new year.

Check the Sump Pump

A sump pump removes excess water from a sump basin and is commonly found in basements. They are often used in areas prone to flooding but can also be found if you have a well. If you have a sump pump, you must make sure it continues working properly. This includes cleaning it out periodically so that it can effectively remove excess water. The discharge line should be cleared of any debris, and the pump should be tested to make sure it is working. If you don’t already have one, consider getting a backup sump pump. In case the power goes out or the primary pump fails, a backup pump will keep going.

Look for Leaks

Leaks can develop any time of the year, but they’re more likely to occur in winter. This is especially true if standing water left in the pipes freezes. Leaks can be hard to find and diagnose, which is just what the best plumber in Las Vegas is here for. But while you wait for professional assistance, you can look for signs of leaks on your own. Reduced water pressure, dripping faucets, and wet stains anywhere along the piping line can indicate a leak. Leaks can cause quickly cause significant structural damage, even before you realize something is wrong. Therefore, it’s wise to call a plumber right away if you notice any warning signs.

Check the Water Pressure

There are multiple reasons why your water pressure level can drop. This ranges from a dirty faucet aerator to more significant problems like a malfunctioning hot water heater or a cracked pipe. While you might not be able to fix the problem yourself, you may be able to identify possible causes. The quickest and easiest way to start is by clearing off the faucet aerators. If this doesn’t solve the problem, make an appointment with the best plumber in Henderson for an evaluation. Since a cracked or leaking pipe can cause low water pressure, this issue needs immediate attention.

Unclog the Drains

Have you noticed recently that your bathroom sink or shower takes longer to drain than usual? If so, now’s the time to fix it. Debris will only continue to accumulate in the pipes. Eventually, the minor obstruction will become a full-blown clog that requires a professional’s assistance to get rid of. To avoid this situation, start by using a home remedy to get the pipes flowing freely. This can include putting a chemical solution down the drain, using an auger to remove excess debris, or pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. Before attempting any of these clog removal methods, make sure that the chemicals or equipment you’re using are compatible with your home’s plumbing.

Inspect the Water Main and Sewer Supply Line

Sewer problems are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. A good way to prevent sewer problems before they start is inspecting the sewer line at least once a year. Signs of a sewer line issue including a gurgling sound in the pipes, a sewage smell, a sudden increase in your water bill, slowly-moving drains, and infestations of rodents or insects. If you don’t notice any symptoms, that’s a good thing! But even so, it’s wise to call a plumber to inspect your sewer line to check for hidden leaks and corrosion before it becomes a significant problem. The main water line, which transports water to and from your home, should also be checked for signs of a problem.

Test Your Water Heater

Even though spring brings warmer weather, getting stuck without hot water is unpleasant. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to test a water heater’s function. If you have a tank-based water heater, be sure to flush it out in the spring. This keeps sediment, rust, and other debris from accumulating in the tank. If grime builds up, it can reduce the water heater’s efficiency and even shorten its lifespan.

Checking your home’s plumbing system in the spring might seem like a pain. However, dealing with plumbing problems is much worse. By monitoring your home’s pipes, fixtures, and main plumbing lines, you can avoid potentially expensive plumbing disasters. And if you find a major problem, contact Service Plus Plumbing for 24 hour plumbing Henderson NV emergency service. With an experienced team and expertise in plumbing repairs, we are here to take care of your plumbing problems.