Missouri has beautiful weather during the spring as the warmer temperatures bring new life to the outdoors. But many parts of the state also experience fluctuating temperatures, heavy rains and strong winds. All of these weather elements directly impact your home’s plumbing. Following the right preventative steps will protect your home from water damage and costly repairs. The best move you can make is to schedule a plumbing maintenance session with All Klear.
Preparing Sump Pump for Spring Thaw
Springfield, MO gets about 10 to 20 inches of snow each year. When the winter snow melts during the spring, the groundwater levels rise, putting extra stress on sump pumps. This is why testing your pump before spring is so important. You want to make sure the pump activates correctly and drains excess water. If the discharge line has a clog from ice or debris, we can get rid of the blockage. We can also test the battery backup to ensure the pump will activate during power outages.
Preparing Sump Pump for Heavy Rains
Making sure the sump pump is ready for heavy rains is easy. We will clear the pump’s intake screen of dirt and debris while also inspecting for signs of wear and tear. If we find any corroded parts, we will replace them. The float switch, check valve and impeller are the parts that tend to experience the most corrosion. If we hear any strange noises, like grinding or rattling, we might have to take the whole pump apart. Fixing these noises sometimes requires lubricating moving parts or replacing worn components. Lastly, we will check the discharge pipe to ensure it is at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation. This keeps the water from pooling near the house, which protects the foundation from water damage and erosion.
Preparing Gutters for Increased Rainfall
Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it usually brings increased rainfall to the city of Springfield. If your gutters aren’t ready for the extra rain, they might overflow or clog. Both of these problems can cause major damage to your roof and your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams forming, which can lead to water leaking into exterior walls and potentially cause interior pipe bursts. We can replace any loose or sagging gutters, as these are the ones that tend to leak or detach. If any of the gutters have major rust, we might need to seal leaks or replace damaged sections. We can also make sure all the downspouts are properly connected and aligned to avoid water from collecting near the foundation.
Preparing Gutters for Spring Debris
The strong winds that accompany springtime, combined with pollen, leaves and twigs from blooming trees, will wreak havoc on your gutters. When these elements build up, they cause blockages that can lead to water overflow or foundation damage. Cleaning out the debris is a key part of getting your house ready for spring.
Preparing Gutters for Strong Winds
To keep your gutters protected from strong winds, which have a direct effect on drainage efficiency, we can choose from a variety of reinforcement solutions. Tightening screws will go a long way in preventing sagging. We may add brackets to reinforce the gutters to keep them firmly in place. We might also recommend adding gutter guards for further stability and protection against wind.
Preparing Pipes for Spring Thaw
A vital part of protecting your home is to regularly inspect exposed pipes in the attic, crawl space and basement areas. Hidden leaks may occur when winterized pipes start to thaw in early spring. If you notice any clues of corrosion, moisture buildup or discoloration, we can address the issue. When there is severe damage, it might work better to replace the pipe. To lessen the likelihood of pipes bursting, we can wrap them with insulation.
Preparing Pipes for Temperature Fluctuations
Cold spells and warm spells in the spring put strain on your plumbing system. You should monitor your pipes for signs of expansion and contraction. If you ever notice any signs of water damage, like stains or accumulation of moisture beneath sinks or around fixtures, call us right away. There’s a good chance there’s a leak or crack. We can apply a sealant or use a pipe patching kit to repair the damage. If you switch on water taps and notice changes in pressure, this is another sign of a leak. We can use pressure testing and leak detection tools to find the leak and apply the right solution.
Preparing Pipes for Heavy Rains
When heavy rains overwhelm drainage systems, your home may experience backups. This can translate into catastrophic water damage in areas like basements and crawl spaces. We can test each drainage system in your house to make sure they work correctly. This includes all outdoor drains as well. These drains must work properly to divert water away from the home.
Checking for Leaks in Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs may crack when exposed to freezing winter temperatures. Using frost covers on the faucets and hose bibs will protect them against future freezing problems. We will replace hose connections that show signs of being loose or damaged.
Inspecting Water Heater for Leaks and Efficiency Issues
Heavy rains can be particularly problematic for water heaters. If flooding occurs and submerges the water heater, it might stop working altogether. Its internal workings and electrical components will corrode, leading to a necessary and possibly costly replacement. To protect a water heater in a basement from flooding, you’ll need to make sure the sump pump works correctly. Flushing the tank yearly will improve the heater’s efficiency, which can save money on energy bills. Testing the temperature and pressure valve will also help it perform better.
Inspecting and Sealing Any Plumbing Gaps to Prevent Pests
During spring, when temperatures rise, pests become more active and begin to move around. Open gaps in your plumbing allow pests to move into your pipes and house. We will check for tiny gaps located around pipes and beneath sinks. If we find any, we will use caulk or expanding foam to seal them and block entry points. To protect areas where vents and drain pipes open to the outside, we may install mesh screens over them.
Why Annual Plumbing Maintenance Is So Important
When you schedule annual plumbing maintenance toward the end of winter, we can prepare all the pipes and drains for spring weather. If we come across any stubborn clogs, we can use our advanced hydro-jetting process to get rid of the blockage. Hydro-jetting works great for clogs caused by grease, soap scum or tree root intrusions. We know how frustrating plumbing problems can be, especially in the spring as you start using sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets more. Our expert services ensure your home is ready for the strong winds, heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures that spring weather often brings.
All Klear is here to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for spring weather. We can also help with HVAC repairs, air purification, water filtration, lighting repairs and more. Contact All Klear today to schedule reliable plumbing services, like help with sump pumps, in Springfield.
