With so much to do in the spring to get ready for warm weather, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing that we rely on to work every day—usually until there’s a big problem! 

There are things you can do in and around your home to prevent plumbing issues and to spot small problems before they turn into big problems.

Here are some spring plumbing tips to help you maintain the plumbing elsewhere in and around your home:

• Check the supply hoses that carry water to your ice maker, washing machine and dishwasher. If you find any signs of leaks or bulges, these should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Give the valves under your sinks and those that supply the water to your appliances a turn one way and then the other to prevent them from sticking.
• Check the cabinet under your kitchen sink for dampness or water stains that could signal a leak.
• Clean any lint or other debris from the lint trap on your washing machine, as this could potentially prevent your machine from draining properly.
• Check the settings on your hot water heater to make sure you aren’t wasting energy to heat water hotter than it needs to be. We recommend, as do most experts, that the temperature be no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  

This will not only save money on your energy bill, but will also reduce the risk of scalding, especially for small children. 

If your hot water heater is 15 years or older, spring is also an excellent time of year to go ahead and replace it with an energy-efficient model. If you do, you could see savings on your utility bills right away and with each month to come.

• Clean gutters, downspouts and yard drains by removing all leaves and other debris. A lot of water lying around your home’s foundation is a warning sign that your gutters or drain spouts are clogged and need attention.
• Check outdoor faucets for leaks. If any water leaks inside the home when you turn on an outside faucet, it could mean that a pipe froze during the winter. 
• Turn off the water line that supplies the outdoor faucet, or if you are unsure of where that’s located, turn off the main water valve to your home to prevent water damage. Then call Hawthorne Plumbing immediately to take a look.

While there are many things you can do around your home this spring to maintain and inspect your plumbing, the pros at Hawthorne Plumbing are more than happy to do these for you. Consider having one of our professionals do a walk-through to make sure everything is working properly.

Take a look at our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your home in top condition.

• Pain in the Drain: How the Holidays Can Affect Your Plumbing 
• Five Plumbing Problems You Want to Avoid This Spring 
• 5 Tips to Hiring a Quality Plumbing Company 
• Holiday Plumbing Care 
• 4 Plumbing Tips to Kick Off Your Spring Right 
• 3 Ways to Protect Animals from the Perils of Human Plumbing