As a result of how much time everyone spends indoors, plumbing systems tend to get more use over the winter. All of this puts additional strain on the equipment and often results in the development of some kind of issue. That's why you should follow the items on this checklist every spring so that you can spot any issues with your plumbing and get them fixed before they get worse.

Plumbing Leaks

You'll quickly know if there's a major plumbing leak in your house, but minor leaks can sometimes go undetected for quite some time. One of the biggest concerns, if there's even a small pinhole leak hidden somewhere, is that the moisture can potentially lead to mold infestation. You can also end up with water damage that forces you to replace a section of wall, ceiling, or flooring.

All of these issues are why it's a good idea to go around your entire house and look for any signs that can indicate a water line or drain pipe is leaking. You also want to check around your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator since these appliances can be prone to leaking as they age. 

Some things to look for include wet spots on sheetrock, standing water underneath a sink, yellow or brown water stains, and flooring that has started to warp or lift up. A moldy or musty odor near a plumbing fixture also often indicates a hidden leak.

Another way you can easily test for leaky water lines is by using your water meter. You can do this any time your home will be unoccupied for at least an hour or two. Make sure all appliances that use water are turned off. Then, make a note of the numbers on the meter display before leaving the house and check the reading again when you get back home. 

Since no one was home to use any water, the two readings will normally be the same. If the second reading is even slightly higher, you should contact a plumbing company that specializes in leak detection.

Drain or Sewer Clogs

Drain and sewer line clogs are among the most common plumbing issues, and they usually result from improper use. That means doing things like washing lots of food scraps or oil and grease down the kitchen sink or flushing wet wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or really anything else other than toilet paper. 

Wet wipes are an especially common source of sewer clogs. Many of them say they're flushable, but that really isn't the case. They don’t break down like toilet paper and tend to get stuck in the sewer line, causing blockages farther along it.

A clogged sewer line is an issue you definitely want to avoid. It will often result in the line backing up and sewage flowing out into your house from shower and floor drains. You can usually tell that your sewer is beginning to clog since it will result in all of your drains being slow and toilets not flushing completely. 

A gurgling sound from drains and toilets also indicates a partial clog. If any of these issues is confined to just a single plumbing fixture, it means you need to have that drain cleaned. If the issues occur throughout your house, you should schedule a sewer cleaning service as soon as possible before your sewer line starts backing up.

Dripping Faucets or Running Toilets

Many people think of having a faucet that constantly drips or a toilet that occasionally runs as nothing more than a minor nuisance. However, these issues actually waste far more water than you realize and will cause your water bill to be quite a bit higher than it needs to be. This is especially the case with a running toilet. 

Even if there's just a small amount of water slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl, it can waste nearly 1,000 gallons per month. A dripping faucet also typically wastes anywhere from 30 to 300 gallons of water per month depending on how quickly it's dripping.

Identifying a dripping faucet that needs to be repaired is obviously quite easy. A leaky toilet can sometimes be tougher to spot since you may not always be around to hear when the toilet starts running and refilling. If you do hear a toilet running when it hasn't recently been in use, it's a sure sign it needs to be repaired. 

You can also test for minor toilet leaks by dropping a bit of food coloring into the tank. You then want to check after about 30 minutes to see if the water in the bowl is colored. If the toilet isn't leaking, the food coloring should have remained within the tank, and the water in the bowl will still be clear.

Stuck Shut-Off Valves

Your plumbing system has a number of valves that allow you to shut off the water when necessary. There's one valve on the main water line in your basement or crawlspace that lets you shut off the water to your entire house. There are also valves next to the flexible water lines that connect to your faucets and toilets.

These valves can sometimes get stuck when they sit unused for a long time. That's why you should make sure to test each valve by closing and opening it a few times when inspecting the rest of your plumbing. If a valve is stuck, you'll have no way to shut the water off in case of an emergency such as a toilet at risk of overflowing. 

The worst issue is if your main shut-off valve is stuck. You'll end up with major flooding should a pipe ever break or develop a large leak. If any valve is stuck or doesn't move easily, you'll want to have a plumber replace it as soon as you can.

Sump Pump Functionality

Michigan experiences quite heavy rainfall in the spring, which is why many homes have a sump pump to help ensure that the basement or crawlspace doesn't end up flooding. If you do have a sump pump, you should make sure to test it before spring to make sure it still works. 

All you need to do is take a bucket and pour enough water into the sump basin that it triggers the switch on the sump pump so the pump starts to run. If the pump doesn't come on, isn't pumping effectively, or is excessively loud, you'll want to have a plumber repair or replace it.

Water Heater Issues

You should always have a professional plumber inspect and service your water heater at least once a year. You should also watch out for issues that can indicate you need to have your water heater repaired or possibly replaced. This includes things like temperature fluctuations, the water taking a long time to heat, or the water not getting hot enough.

It's also essential that you check if your water heater is leaking. If you have a traditional water heater and its tank is leaking, you should immediately shut it off and contact a plumbing company to have it replaced. This is not a situation where you want to wait. A leaking tank can quickly worsen or rupture, causing significant flooding and water damage.

We offer a complete line of plumbing services for your convenience and well-being. If you've spotted any issues with your plumbing system or want to have everything professionally inspected, turn to the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®. 

We're an independent, locally owned contractor and part of the number one plumbing company in the nation. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our services so you can trust that whatever work you need will get done right the first time. 

To set up an appointment and find out what makes Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® the best plumbing service in Grand Rapids, MI, contact us today.