Did you know, spring is when many homeowners discover plumbing issues they didn’t even know were happening?
Taking a few hours to check your plumbing can prevent headaches down the road. Here’s what every Southeastern Michigan homeowner should do as we head into spring.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater has been working overtime during Michigan’s cold season. Spring is the perfect time to make sure it’s still working well.
Listen for unusual rumbling or popping sounds, which usually mean sediment has built up on the heating elements. Michigan’s mineral-rich water can speed up this process, making your heater less efficient and shortening its life.
Look around the base for any moisture or small puddles that might signal a leak. If your water heater is around 8-10 years old, consider having our top-notch plumbers inspect it to see whether maintenance can extend its life or if replacement might be smarter before it completely fails.
Find and Fix Silent Toilet Leaks
A leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water without making a sound – something no Michigan homeowner wants on their water bill.
Try this simple test: Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank (not the bowl), then wait 15-20 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, you’ve got a leak that needs fixing.
Most toilet leaks come from worn flappers or fill valves, which are cheap and fairly easy to replace. Fixing just one running toilet can save up to 200 gallons of water daily – real savings on your water bill.
Make Sure Your Drains Flow Freely
After months of holiday cooking and heavy use, your drains might be building up to a clog.
Test each sink by filling it halfway with water, then watching how quickly it drains. Any gurgling sounds or slow drainage means a blockage is developing that’s easier to fix now than after it completely clogs.
Check Your Shut-Off Valves
When plumbing emergencies happen, working shut-off valves can prevent major water damage.
Find your home’s main water shut-off valve (usually near where the water line enters your house) and each fixture’s individual shut-off. Gently turn each valve off and back on to make sure it moves smoothly without leaking.
Michigan’s big temperature swings can cause these valves to seize up over time. If any valve is hard to turn or shows signs of rust, have it replaced now. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main shut-off is located – this knowledge is vital when pipes freeze during Michigan winters.
Look Under Sinks for Hidden Problems
The cabinets under your sinks are often overlooked until problems develop.
Use a flashlight to check the pipes and connections under each sink in your home. Look for moisture, corrosion, or white mineral buildup (common in Michigan homes due to our water quality). Check for small puddles or water stains on the cabinet bottom that might point to occasional leaks.
Pay special attention to the curved pipes (P-traps) and supply line connections, which often fail first. Sometimes simply hand-tightening connections can fix small drips before they cause damage.
Test Your Sump Pump Before Spring Rains
Michigan’s spring brings melting snow and heavy rains, making a working sump pump crucial for many homes.
Pour a few gallons of water into your sump pit to make sure the pump turns on automatically and drains properly. Listen for any grinding or unusual noises that might mean it’s starting to fail.
Consider how old your current pump is – most last about 7-10 years. If yours is getting old or showing signs of struggle, replacing it now is much less stressful than dealing with a flooded basement during April showers. Lakeside Pro’s sump pump specialists can recommend the right size for your home’s needs.
Consider a Professional Inspection
While these DIY checks help, a professional inspection can find issues even careful homeowners might miss.
Our plumbers have specialized equipment to detect hidden leaks, check water quality, inspect sewer lines, and assess your entire plumbing system. This comprehensive approach helps prevent emergencies and extends the life of your fixtures and appliances.
For many Michigan homes, especially older ones in communities like Warren, St. Clair Shores, or Eastpointe with aging plumbing, a professional inspection is an investment that prevents costly emergency repairs later.
Michigan’s Unique Plumbing Challenges
Southeastern Michigan homes face specific challenges due to our regional conditions.
Our freeze-thaw cycles are hard on plumbing, creating expansion and contraction that stress pipes and connections. Many homes in our area also have hard water, which speeds up appliance wear and creates mineral buildup in pipes.
Additionally, older communities throughout our region often have mature trees with invasive root systems that can damage sewer lines during spring’s active growth period. Addressing these regional challenges keeps your plumbing working smoothly year-round.
Ready to get your plumbing system in prime condition for spring and summer? Contact Lakeside Pro Services today at 586.445.2100 or schedule an appointment online!