Spring is here, which means it is the season for spring cleaning and home maintenance. One important task you need to tend to this season is maintaining your outdoor plumbing.
Just like you need to tend to leaks indoors to keep costs down and protect your home, so must you do the same with your outdoor plumbing. Not sure where to start? Our team has drawn on their experience to put together this list for you.
Make Sure Gutters are Clean
Over the winter, it is normal for leaves and debris to gather in your gutters. The problem is that when there is junk in the gutters, the path for rainwater to leave your roof and move away from your home is blocked.
You’ve got to clean the gutters regularly so that there is a clear path for the water to get to the downspouts.
When the water pools on your roof, extra pressure is created, which can create leaks, water damage, and mold growth. Dislodge the leaves with a broom, rather than a garden hose, because that wastes water.
Hose Replacement?
If you’ve got cracks or tears in your rubber garden hose, replace them before the watering season starts.
Small holes are just big enough for the costly water to leak out where you don’t want it to. You can minimize damage to your hoses by unkinking them and hanging them in loose coils on the wall to drain.
If you’ve only got a small tear or two in your hose, you may be able to get away with patching it with a repair kit.
Faucet Fixing
Testing to see if you have outdoor faucet leaks is pretty low-tech. Turn them on and off and watch for dripping water or moisture accumulating on the faucet.
Place your thumb over the spigot and open. If your thumb can hold the water in, you have a leak because the water pressure is so low (the water pressure should knock your thumb off).
Sprinkler Leaks?
If you’ve got a sprinkler system, keep an eye out for water line leaks. If you notice sunken patches or pooling water, call your Buffalo, NY plumbing.
Inspect sprinkler heads for damage. Open up valve boxes to make sure that no water is inside. They should be dry, so if you’ve sprung a leak over the winter, there might be water inside.
If you think you’ve suffered frozen pipes outside or other damage over the winter, call for a full leak detection.
