Spring Plumbing Checklist

Whether it is your home or cottage, there are certain things to do to ensure your home is ready for the warmer weather and summer activities.
– Drain any fixtures that were winterized with anti-freeze
– Turn on water lines indoors that were shut off
– Turn on water to outside taps
– Check for damaged, leaking or cracked waterlines
– Test operation of all fixtures (taps, toilets, shower heads)
– Check that all drains are drain properly
– Check gutters and eavestroughs for build ups or blockages, and draining away from building
– Soak aerators and showerheads to remove calcium and iron buildups (Vinegar is usually sufficient)
– Check water softener salt levels, make sure bridging hasn’t occurred and top up salt and res care levels
– Reverse any precautions taken to prevent frozen water lines (turn off running tap, remove toilet string)
– Check the water heater
– Are there any signs of rust?
– Any evidence of leaking?
– This is a good time to flush the tank
– attach a hose to the bottom drain on the tank
– run hose to nearby floor drain
– carefully turn on drain (these are plastic and can break easily)
– let drain for a few minutes, then shut off and remove hose
– If you have a history of sewer issues – roots, back ups or slow drains, the spring is a great time to schedule a sewer replacement to alleviate future issues
– Check your sump pump (it has probably already had a workout due to winter melts), but check that it is still OK