Spring Time Plumbing System Tips

Warmer weather and longer days are on the way, hooray! While the traditional notion of spring cleaning and gardening is planned for this time of year... Don't forget your plumbing maintenance as well - taking care of your home is so important!

With the El Nino weather system seemingly likely to appear by the end of the year, it is more important than ever to ensure your gutters and pipework are clear this spring.

Transitioning out of jumpers and into t-shirts calls for a new focus on particular areas of our homes. Our plumbers have taken the time to help make sure you don't miss anything with their spring plumbing tips.

Following our plumbing checklist will help you find an easy way to bypass emergency services and ensure that the quality of your plumbing systems or plumbing appliances continues. Picking up on leaks, cleaning gutters, clearing any drainage debris in your pipes is part of the job. A simple job now might save you litres of water and $ on your water bill down the track.

Our plumbing services have been working hard all winter. With the warmer weather in sight, now is the time to take stock and say hello spring. Take the time to inspect your home, looking for signs that repairs might be needed. Never under estimate the effects of our weather and the harsh knock-on effects it can have on our appliances.

If you already know you're in need of assistance from a professional plumber, call our service today to book in a visit.

Otherwise, read on for plumbing maintenance tips. Tick off our check list as you go.

Our Top 10 Areas For Spring Plumbing Inspections

1. Check under sinks

2. Check taps and toilets

3. Hot water heater

4. Drains

5. Roof

6. Gutters

7. Plumbing appliances

8. Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms

9. Outdoor Plumbing

10. Examine driveways and pavers

1. Check Under Sinks

While this task is not a labour intensive one... the simplicity of it will save you hours of repair. Check under all sink areas inside your house, don't forget the laundry.

Essentially you're examining the flexible hose connection found under the sink. Plumbers are often called out to emergency jobs that are caused by a burst flexi. These flexi hoses have a limited lifespan. They can rust, corrode or fray. Once the metal weave has worn away the internal rubber component will begin to expand. As this occurs, the structure is comprised and the likelihood of a burst flexi is eminent.

Run your fingers along the flexi hoses. If you feel any fault in the material, call a professional local plumber to replace your flexi before it's too late. Replacing a flexi hose isn't a big job but one that will safeguard you before any emergencies take hold.

2. Check Taps & Toilets

We are looking for leaks. Periodically checking the base of your taps, if there is a constant drip or if there is a build up of water pooling around your toilet might only take you a few minutes.

Knowing you are not wasting water, big tick. Knowing you are protecting your home from water damage bigger tick. Knowing you're saving money by identifying even a small leak... tick, tick, tick.

Don't forget to check your water pressure , all the taps in the home, and sometimes the shower head is forgotten, but what's why we're here, to remind you and address all areas of your home.

3. Drains

Pay special attention to your drains. Test how quickly or slowly your drains actually drain.  If your drain is blocked you'll usually find the sink is slow to drain, there are noises associated with it, the toilet paper wont flush or there might be an unusual odour. Lean in, look, listen and sniff. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, blocked drains and congested sewer lines might be a possibility. Contact our team to discuss how Network Plumbing can assist.

4. Hot Water Systems

Our hot water systems have been pumping out heat all winter. It's time to attend to this plumbing unit that never seems to rest. Whether it's a gas unit or a water tank system. Schedule in a plumber who is an expert in hot water to service your system. Your hot water heater will thank you with more efficiency, ensuring it's operating at it's full capacity.

Click here to read more about hot water systems.

5. Roof

High up, protecting your family, your roof is serious business. With heavy downfalls of rain throughout winter, it's perfect timing in spring to inspect your roof. Both internally and externally. Look for any visible signs of water damage, structural damage or general wear and tear. Our plumbers are ready to assist. Contact our team to book a service.

6. Gutters

All those gutter pipes need to be cleaned and cleared, sparkling, free of all debris. Not only is it being fire wise but it will help to ensure the water run off from your house is not overflowing but headed in the right direction.

7. Plumbing Appliances

Be mindful of your in home plumbing appliances. Your dish washer or washing machine should also receive a once over. Checking the plumbed connections to examine if there are any water leaks every spring will help to identify if any repairs or wasted water is at play. If you do find any leaks, contact our services to discuss how the Network plumbers can help.

8. Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Having a set time every year to change your batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms ensures you never miss a beat. Safety naturally goes hand in hand with detectors and alarms, don't leave it to chance. Change the batteries every spring, you'll rest easy knowing that job is done.

9. Outdoor Plumbing

Hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems. These sources of cold water feed our garden all year round.  We recommend our customers open and close their watering systems, checking valve connections to see if the valves are secure and not leaking any water. 

10. Examine Driveways & Pavers

Movement or cracks in your driveway or pavers may be an indication of a blocked drain. With warmer weather, tree roots will be on the hunt for water. The build up of condensation that occurs around a pipe underground will attract them. Keep a close eye on any visible sign of cracks or movements and if you suspect a tree might be trying to enter your plumbing pipes, call our service to inspect the pipes in question.

If you need help with your plumbing maintenance inspection, our team would love to help you! Call us to book in your plumbing maintenance check up (Greater Sydney area). Our team will walk you through all the plumbing systems in your home and make sure they are all on good working order.