As the temperatures begin to rise and winter’s deep freeze begins to thaw out, you will want to do so much to prepare your home for the warm weather. Your home’s plumbing is undoubtedly an important aspect that requires your attention, but one which some homeowners inadvertently neglect.
You will have plenty of time to relax in the sunshine after a hard winter, but before then, the spring thaw can present a few challenges you must be prepared to navigate. In early spring, before the warm weather fully settles in, snow will start to melt. All this melting snow has to go somewhere and if you are not without proper preparation and the necessary measures in place, you risk serious damage to your home.
Ensuring your plumbing is in top shape is key to protecting your home from the meltwater of the spring thaw and the risk of flooding. With the help of trained professionals and a comprehensive checklist, you can optimize your home’s plumbing system so it stands up well to all that comes with the spring meltdown.
1. Get Your Sump Pump Ready
The spring thaw, combined with showers, can cause flooding. A sump pump offers the first line of defense against flooding in your basement and expensive water damage. This pump collects water from the melting snow and pumps it back outside before the water reaches your home’s floor level. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a good sump pump ahead of the spring thaw.
On the other hand, if you have one, you want to ensure your sump pump is working properly and ready for its job. Test the sump pump for proper function and ensure you promptly fix any problems you identify.
One easy way to test for function is by pouring water into the sump pit. Your sump pump should turn on immediately, and if that’s not the case, get it looked at as soon as possible. Also, check for debris in the sump pump’s screen, as the resulting obstruction can cause your pump not to work properly. Our Sacramento plumbers are sump pump repair and maintenance specialists who will get your sump pump back to top shape and ready to prevent flooding in your home.
2. Take Care of Water Leaks
While leaks in certain areas of your home, such as the toilet and kitchen, are hard to miss, your home’s intricate plumbing network also consists of pipes that are not in plain sight. Ensure that you don’t neglect these hidden pipes when looking for leaks. Check for stains and moisture on the walls, as these are some of the signs of a leak in the plumbing behind the walls.
Don’t think of any leak as too small or insignificant. What may look like a small leak can gradually become a big problem if you don’t take care of it promptly. If the damage worsens, you may look at more expensive costs and, in extreme cases, pipe replacement, which will be even costlier. At Huft Home Services, we offer expert leak detection and repair services you can trust.
3. Clean the Drains
Clogging in your drains, be it from dirt or whatever else, obstructs the proper flow of water, which can cause damage to your pipes. Clogged underground drains will be a big problem during spring thaw as they increase the risk of backups.
Drain cleaning ensures your home’s pipeline can carry away water as expected in the event of a flood. Our licensed plumbers at Huft Home Services use advanced technologies to inspect your drains. We then use the least invasive methods to clear away the clogs. These methods are highly effective and safe, so you don’t have to worry about any damage to your drains and piping.
4. Invest in a Backflow Valve
If you live in a part of Sacramento where sewer backups are frequent, ensure you get a backflow valve installed. Also known as backwater valves, backflow valves ensure a one-way flow from your home’s sewer line. These values will protect your basement from a sewer backup and the damage that comes with it.
Sewer lines get overwhelmed when there is a lot of water, such as during a spring thaw. Sewer backups happen when the sewer line can’t handle any more. The backflow valve acts as a failsafe and offers protection against these backups by automatically closing up as soon as it detects sewer backflow.
5. Test the Main Water Valve
A lot can happen during a spring thaw, and preparing for the worst-case scenario is always best. If a pipe bursts, cutting off the water supply is the first thing you will need to do, even as you wait for emergency repair services by your plumber. To do this, you will need to turn off your main water valve.
Start by ensuring you know the location of your main water valve. You can always call your plumber to ask if you are unsure of where your home’s main valve is located. Test your water valve a couple of times and see how quickly you can turn it off in case of an emergency. The rust that may accumulate around your main water valve after staying in the on position undisturbed for a long time can make it stuck. If that’s the case, get professional help and be informed that this may involve replacing the valve. If you are looking to upgrade, consider a smart water valve. You can conveniently turn your water line on and off from an app on your smartphone.
6. Clear and Repair Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are an essential part of your home’s outdoor plumbing. They carry water off your roof and away from your home’s foundation, a role that is critical in the spring thaw. Clearing gutters and downspouts of obstructions will ensure they can continue performing this role. Ice and snow can build up and block your gutters and downspouts in winter. Clearing away any debris can help the ice melt away even faster.
Also, inspect your gutters and downspouts for damage. Promptly repair any such damages and securely fasten your home’s gutter fascia. The experts will also ensure your gutters are pointed well away from your home.
Get Professional Plumbing Repairs and Maintenance Before Spring
You may not be able to eliminate the risk of flooding and the resulting water damage during the spring thaw. Still, you can reduce the chances of flooding by adequately preparing your home’s plumbing. Keeping the drains clear, ensuring your sump pump works well, and taking care of leaks are some ways to prepare for the spring thaw. Avoid costly mistakes and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is done right by leaving it to the experts.
Contact Huft Home Services today and let our team of trained professionals perform all the repairs and maintenance your plumbing system needs ahead of the spring thaw. In addition to plumbing, our comprehensive range of professional services also includes heating, cooling, electrical and indoor air quality services. We are proud to serve homeowners in Sacramento and the surrounding El Dorado, Placer, San Joaquin, Solano, Yolo and Yuba Counties. We maintain our commitment to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout all seasons.
