Since the chilly winter months can wreak havoc on your home's pipes and fittings, it's important to check your plumbing for damage once spring arrives in full. As part of your spring cleaning and home maintenance checklist, be sure to take note of your plumbing elements to avoid a costly (and messy) surprise as temperatures continue to rise into March and April.
Here are a few things you can check when you're making your rounds:
- Check around your home for leaks or signs of weakening pipes
While you may not be able to visually inspect every pipe within your home, locating the exposed pipes you can see and taking note of their general condition can go a long way toward preventing larger problems from developing down the road. Check for signs of moisture or leaking water around those pipes, too - water stains and mold on construction material or surrounding walls are a sure sign of problems.
- Take a Walk Outside
It's important to check your outside faucets for signs of wear or damage, but even more important is to walk around your yard to look for muddy or irregularly green areas as the ground begins to soften and thaw. These can signify leaks in the pipes beneath the ground, which will require a visit from a plumber.
- Test the Meter
It's normal for your water and energy bills to rise in the winter season, but it's still smart to check your water meter on an annual basis to test for leaks. Locate the meter and turn it off, making note of the reading. Turn off the valves of every sink, toilet, and appliance connected to the water and wait for 15 minutes or so. Return to the meter and check the reading again. A change in the reading indicates a serious leak on your property that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
To schedule an annual checkup for your home's plumbing systems, contact Pioneer Plumbing and Heating in Seattle today.
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