1. Inspect for Leaks and Water Damage

Cold weather can cause pipes to crack, fittings to loosen, and seals to become weak. When this happens, leaks can occur. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, cause mold to grow, or even do structural damage.

Be sure to check:

• Under sinks and around toilets
• Exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms
• Ceilings, walls, or floors for water stains, bubbling paint, or warped materials

2. Check Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibs

Outdoor plumbing is especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures and may have been damaged over the winter. These issue can be identified by turning on outdoor water sources very slowly to watch for leaks or reduced pressure. To avoid an expensive service call in the future, it should be taken care of now!

Inspect:

• Hoses and outdoor faucets
• Sprinkler system connections
• Exterior pipes

3. Test Sump Pump Operation

Spring rain and melting snow increase the risk of basement flooding. A properly working sump pump is critical for protecting your home this spring.

To test your sump pump:

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
• Confirm the pump activates automatically
• Ensure water is discharged away from the foundation
• Check the discharge line for blockages or freezing damage

If the pump doesn’t activate or drains slowly, repairs or replacement should be scheduled before heavy rains arrive.

4. Flush and Inspect Your Water Heater

Sediment buildup inside water heaters reduces efficiency, increases energy costs, and shortens the unit’s lifespan. which is why you should do routine maintenance on them, at the very least twice a year. Ensuring it is done can have benefits such as improved performance, consistent hot water, and a smaller likelihood that the unit shuts down unexpectedly.

Spring water heater maintenance can be performed by JF Denney and should include:

• Flushing tank-style water heaters to remove sediment
• Inspecting the unit for corrosion, rust, or leaks
• Checking temperature and pressure relief valves
• Scheduling descaling services for tankless water heaters

5. Inspect Toilets for Hidden Leaks

Toilet leaks are one of the most common sources of water waste in homes, and one that goes unnoticed the most often. Running toilets are often caused by worn flappers or fill valves and can usually be fixed with simple, affordable repairs. Don't wait until the problem gets bigger to check for leaks!

Simple toilet leak test:

• Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank
• Wait 15 minutes without flushing
• If color appears in the bowl, there’s a leak

6. Clean Drains and Check for Slow Flow

Slow or gurgling drains may be caused by buildup or debris that are beginning to form clogs within the plumbing system. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure the drains are being kept clean to prevent any unpleasant odors or pipe damage.

Spring is a great time to:

• Remove hair, soap scum, and debris from drains
• Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes
• Schedule professional drain cleaning for stubborn or recurring clogs

7. Check Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure puts unnecessary strain on pipes, fixtures, and appliances, increasing the risk of leaks and burst pipes. If you notice fluctuating pressure, banging pipes, or frequent fixture leaks, a professional inspection may be needed.

Tips from JF Denney:

• Ideal residential water pressure is 40–60 PSI
• Pressure that’s too high or too low can indicate underlying plumbing issues

8. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

Washing machine hoses experience constant pressure and are a common source of sudden leaks. It is recommended that homeowners upgrade the old rubber hoses to the braided stainless steel hoses as a simple preventive fix to save money on a potential flood in the future.



Check hoses for:

• Cracks, bulges, or brittleness
• Corrosion or loose connections