Spring in Atlanta brings warmer temperatures, blooming dogwoods, and the perfect opportunity to give your plumbing system some attention. After months of cooler weather, small issues can turn into expensive problems if left unchecked. A little preventive maintenance now can save you from emergency calls later in the year.
At Delta Plumbing, we help homeowners across metro Atlanta keep their plumbing systems in top shape. Here are the spring plumbing maintenance tips we recommend to every customer.
Check for Hidden Leaks Throughout Your Home
Winter weather can take a toll on your pipes, even in Atlanta where freezing temperatures are less common. Temperature fluctuations still cause pipes to expand and contract, which can loosen fittings and create small leaks over time.
Walk through your home and check under every sink, around toilets, and near your water heater for signs of moisture, discoloration, or musty smells. Pay close attention to your water bill as well. A sudden increase without a change in usage is one of the most common signs of a hidden leak.
If you suspect a leak but cannot find the source, professional leak detection services can pinpoint the problem without tearing up your walls or floors.
Inspect and Flush Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard all winter, and sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Spring is the ideal time to flush the tank and remove that buildup.
Start by turning off the power supply (gas or electric), attaching a garden hose to the drain valve, and letting the tank empty into a floor drain or outside. Once the water runs clear, close the valve and refill the tank before turning the power back on.
If your water heater is more than 8 to 10 years old and you are noticing inconsistent hot water, rust-colored water, or strange noises, it may be time for a replacement. Our team handles both traditional and tankless water heater installations, so we can help you find the right fit for your home and budget.
Clear Slow Drains Before They Become Clogs
Slow drains are easy to ignore, but they almost always get worse. Hair, soap residue, grease, and other debris build up inside your pipes over months, and by spring you might notice water pooling in your shower or kitchen sink draining more slowly than usual.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode your pipes and cause more harm than good. Instead, try removing the drain cover and pulling out any visible debris. For stubborn buildup deeper in the line, a professional drain cleaning service is the safest and most effective solution.
Test Your Sump Pump Before Spring Storms
Atlanta gets an average of nearly 50 inches of rain per year, and spring is one of the wettest seasons. If your home has a sump pump, now is the time to make sure it is working properly before the heavy rains arrive.
Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and verify the pump activates, discharges the water, and shuts off automatically. Check the discharge line for clogs or damage, and make sure it directs water well away from your foundation.
If your sump pump fails to activate or sounds strained, do not wait for a storm to find out the hard way. Our plumbing repair team can diagnose and fix the issue quickly.
Inspect Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibs
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs are among the most vulnerable fixtures after winter. Even a brief cold snap can cause cracks that are not visible from the outside.
Turn on each outdoor faucet and check for leaks around the handle and at the connection point. Place your thumb over the opening while the water is running. If you can stop the flow easily, there may be a crack in the supply line behind the wall that needs repair.
While you are outside, inspect any exposed pipes, irrigation system connections, and your main water shut-off valve. Knowing where your shut-off valve is and confirming it works properly can save you thousands of dollars in water damage during an emergency.
Give Your Toilets a Quick Checkup
Toilets are responsible for nearly 30 percent of household water use, and a running toilet can waste more than 200 gallons a day. Spring is a great time to check each toilet in your home for common issues.
Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a flapper leak that should be addressed. Check the base of each toilet for moisture or rocking, which could indicate a failing wax seal.
If you notice any of these issues, our team can handle everything from flapper replacements to full toilet repairs and installations.
Check Your Sewer Lines for Tree Root Intrusion
Spring is when trees and shrubs push out new growth, and their roots naturally seek out moisture. Sewer lines are a prime target, especially older clay or cast iron pipes that may already have small cracks.
Warning signs of a sewer line issue include multiple slow drains, gurgling sounds from your toilets, or sewage odors in your yard. If you notice any of these, it is worth having your lines inspected. A camera inspection can identify root intrusion, cracks, or other damage before it leads to a major backup.
Delta Plumbing provides comprehensive sewer line diagnostics and repair to keep your system flowing properly.
Schedule a Professional Spring Plumbing Inspection
Even the most diligent homeowner can miss problems that a trained plumber would catch. A professional spring plumbing inspection covers everything from water pressure testing and pipe condition assessments to appliance connections and fixture performance.
Think of it like a tune-up for your car. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become big, costly problems. Most inspections take about an hour and can extend the life of your plumbing system by years.
Ready to Get Your Plumbing Spring-Ready?
Delta Plumbing has served Atlanta-area homeowners for years, and we are here to help you start the season off right. Whether you need a full inspection, a water heater flush, or help tracking down a hidden leak, our licensed plumbers have you covered.
Schedule your spring plumbing service online or call us at (770) 474-5555 to book an appointment today.