Get Ready for Spring with Plumbing Maintenance

Chelsey Smith • April 5, 2023

Spring is finally here! There are jobs to be taken care of around your house but don’t forget your Burlington plumbing maintenance.

You probably want to get outside but your Burlington plumbers want you to take care of Spring plumbing maintenance. You can take care of your plumbing maintenance as you’re doing your Spring Cleaning in Burlington. 


Here’s a plumbing maintenance checklist:


  1. Check your pipes for leaks. This means opening up cupboards and doors to make sure all the pipes are dry. Perhaps turn on the adjacent faucet to make sure the pipes aren’t leaking.
  2. Check your water heater. Be sure it’s set around 120 degrees. Move any items away from the water heater. Shine a flashlight underneath to make sure there are no leaks.
  3. Check for leaking toilets. Make sure the toilets are running at their best by placing a few drops of food dye in the tank. If the dye ends up in the toilet bowl after an hour, you’ve got a leak. 
  4. If you run on sump pump, test the system. Do this by pouring a bucket of water where the sump pump sits. The sump pump should activate right away. If it doesn’t, you’ve got an issue.
  5. Turn on outside taps and check for leaks. You may have turned off the water from the inside, go ahead and turn it back and attach any hoses.
  6. Check all appliances that use water. Generally, these are your washing machine, dishwasher and fridge if it has an ice making attachment. Check for leaks and bulging hoses.   
  7. Clear out gutters and remove debris from drains. This will stop water from getting trapped and flow down drains with ease.     

  

Chances are that you’re not a plumbing expert in Burlington and you will need your plumbing issues dealt with. If you have found a plumbing issue while performing your Spring plumbing maintenance, have it repaired properly by the pros at A Rescue Rooter in Burlington. Our Burlington plumbing specialists know how to tackle any residential plumbing concerns in Burlington. They’ve been helping Burlington residents since 1976, so they’re capable of making plumbing repairs and installations at commercial and industrial buildings as well as your home. 


Contact them today for emergency plumbing in Burlington or a free estimate on all of your residential or commercial plumbing needs. If you own a commercial property in Burlington, they know you are responsible for plumbing that is in good working order. It’s important that you find a plumbing company that is dependable. A Rescue Rooter plumber can repair anything at any time, 24/7 without charging you a premium for an emergency. A Rescue Rooter is available to help you twenty-four hours a day. Don’t let a pesky repair hold up your fun in the sun! A Rescue Rooter professional will have your repair resolved promptly.  It takes one call to A Rescue Rooter. They are ready to take on any job – big or small.  Where you see a problem, we see solutions! 


Call in Burlington, A Rescue Rooter at (905) 333-6909!


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As the snow melts and the first green shoots of spring appear, it feels natural to breathe a sigh of relief. The harsh winter is finally behind us, and warmer days are ahead. However, while you are ready to welcome the sunshine, your home’s plumbing system might be facing its most difficult challenge of the year.  The transition from freezing winter temperatures to the damp warmth of spring creates specific environmental changes that can stress your pipes. Understanding what happens beneath the ground during the "spring thaw" is the first step in protecting your home from unexpected leaks and water damage. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can ensure your plumbing transitions into the new season as smoothly as you do. How the Spring Thaw Affects Your Plumbing It is easy to assume that the danger to your pipes passes once the sub-zero temperatures vanish. In reality, the thawing process can be just as damaging as the freezing process. When the ground freezes, it expands. As it thaws, the soil contracts and shifts. This movement can put immense pressure on your home's water and sewer lines buried underground. If the earth shifts too dramatically, it can cause pipes to crack, bend, or even detach completely. Additionally, the spring thaw brings water—lots of it. Melting snow saturates the soil, raising the water table. This excess water puts hydrostatic pressure on your foundation and pipes, potentially leading to basement flooding if your drainage systems aren't working perfectly. Common Signs of Pipe Damage Because much of your plumbing is hidden behind walls or buried underground, you might not notice an issue until it becomes a significant problem. Keep a close eye on your property this season for these tell-tale signs of distress: 1. Soggy patches in the yard If it hasn't rained recently, but you notice distinct wet, spongy, or unusually green patches of grass in your yard, this could indicate a leak in your underground water line. The escaping water rises to the surface, creating a localized swamp. 2. Low water pressure A sudden drop in water pressure throughout the house is often a symptom of a breach in the main line. If the water isn't reaching your faucets with the usual force, it may be escaping somewhere else along the route. 3. Unpleasant odors If your sewer line has been compromised by shifting soil or infiltrating tree roots (which become active in spring), you may smell sewage inside your home or out in the yard. This is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. 4. Unexpectedly high water bills Sometimes the signs are financial rather than physical. If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has spiked, water is likely leaking from a pipe somewhere on your property. Preventive Measures for Homeowners While you cannot control the weather or the shifting soil, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage during the spring thaw. Test your sump pump: This is your first line of defense against meltwater. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and drains the water effectively. If it doesn't, you need to repair or replace it before the heavy spring rains arrive. Clear your gutters and downspouts: Ensure that melting snow and spring rain can flow freely away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the base of your house, increasing pressure on basement pipes and the foundation. Check outdoor faucets: Once the threat of frost is truly gone, turn on your outdoor spigots to check for flow. If you place your thumb over the opening and can stop the flow of water, the pressure is too low, indicating a potential leak inside the pipe. When to Call the Professionals Plumbing issues can be stressful, and it is often difficult to know if a problem is a simple DIY fix or a professional emergency. We understand that your home is your sanctuary, and dealing with water damage is disruptive and upsetting. If you notice persistent low pressure, damp spots on your drywall, or standing water in your yard, it is time to call for help. Attempting to dig up underground pipes or fix complex sewer lines on your own can often lead to further damage and higher costs. At Rescue Rooter, we have the specialized equipment to inspect underground lines without destroying your yard. Our team can identify cracks caused by the spring thaw and provide efficient, lasting solutions. We are here to help restore your peace of mind so you can get back to enjoying the warmer weather. Enjoying a Worry-Free Spring Spring should be a time of renewal and enjoyment, not a time spent worrying about wet basements or broken pipes. By keeping an eye out for the signs of shifting soil and testing your drainage systems early, you can catch small issues before they become major headaches. And remember, if the thaw does bring unexpected plumbing challenges, you don't have to face them alone—Rescue Rooter is just a phone call away.
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