Spring Plumbing Prep: 7 Must-Do Tasks for a Smooth-Running Home
Spring is in the air—which means it’s time to open the windows, shake off the winter dust, and give your home a little TLC. But while you’re freshening up the closets and wiping down baseboards, don’t forget about your plumbing. Your pipes and fixtures have worked hard all winter. A little attention now can help prevent major headaches down the road.
Here’s a simple, expert-backed plumbing checklist to get your home ready for the warmer months ahead.
Give Your Pipes a Visual Once-Over
Grab a flashlight and check out the exposed pipes around your home—under sinks, in the garage, or near the water heater. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or slow drips. Even small leaks can drive up your water bill and lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
Clear Out Slow Drains and Sneaky Clogs
Over time, hair, soap scum, and debris can gunk up your drains. If water is draining slowly, try a natural fix like baking soda and vinegar before reaching for harsh chemicals. If that doesn’t cut it, a plumber can clear deeper blockages safely and thoroughly.
(Pro tip: If you’ve got recurring clogs, that could be a sign of a bigger issue lurking in your pipes.)
Inspect Your Toilet for Seal and Flushing Issues
According to the EPA, the average household can waste up to 9,400 gallons of water each year due to leaks—that’s enough to wash over 300 loads of laundry. Toilets are a common culprit, and while some issues are easy to spot (like constant running or moisture at the base), others can go unnoticed. To test for a hidden leak, simply add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl after an hour without flushing, there's a leak. Catching it early can help prevent water damage and reduce your utility bill.
Test the Water Pressure Around Your Home
Is your shower more of a trickle than a torrent? Low water pressure could be caused by mineral buildup, leaky pipes, or even issues with your local supply. You can test it yourself with an inexpensive pressure gauge from a hardware store—or call in a pro to check it for you.
If you suspect the problem might be on the utility side, you can look up your water provider and source using this tool from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Flush Out Your Water Heater
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater - especially if you live in an area with hard water. This buildup can reduce efficiency, cause strange smells, and even shorten the life of the unit. Flushing your water heater once a year (spring is a great time!) helps clear out that gunk and keeps things running efficiently.
Have a tankless water heater? These don’t store water the same way, so they don’t need flushing - but they do need annual descaling to remove mineral deposits and maintain top performance. It’s a simple service that can extend the life of your system.
Thinking about an upgrade? Tankless water heaters are compact, energy-efficient, offer cleaner and quicker annual maintenance, and deliver endless hot water when you need it. Ask us about the right fit for your home!
Check Outdoor Spigots and Hoses
As temperatures rise, your outdoor plumbing comes back into play. Hook up the hose and turn on the spigot—then check for cracks, drips, or leaks. Cold weather can cause hidden damage, so it’s good to make sure everything is in working order before you water your garden or wash the car.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Spring is a smart time to get a second set of eyes on your plumbing. A professional plumber can spot hidden issues you might miss, like early signs of slab leaks or poor water pressure. It’s a great way to catch small problems before they become big expenses.
Get Your Home Ready for a Worry-Free Spring
Whether you’re tackling your to-do list or need a hand with the trickier stuff, the pros at Pilot Plumbing are here to help. From water heater flushes to full-home inspections, we’ve got the tools and experience to keep your system flowing smoothly all season long.
Contact us today to schedule your spring plumbing check—we’ll make sure everything’s running just the way it should.