Serving Forth Worth & the 
As you conduct your annual spring cleaning, you will find plumbing maintenance chores to check off your list. After a long winter, your plumbing system may become damaged due to freezing and thawing in the pipes. Your plumbing may also have obstructions. Spring plumbing maintenance seeks to find and address minor problems before they become significant.
Seasonal maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, reduce water waste, and ensure your home’s plumbing system operates smoothly. Cattlemans Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company in Fort Worth, TX. We want to help you prepare your plumbing system for warmer weather. Professional plumbers should handle most plumbing maintenance, but there are some tasks you can do to keep your plumbing protected between visits.
Check for Leaks
Did you know a single dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually? According to the EPA, that is enough for over 180 showers. Leaks can waste essential water and cause expensive structural damage if left unrepaired.
Look for signs of leaks, like increased water bills, wet spots, water stains, and running water sounds. Hidden leaks under your foundation can cause severe damage to your home, resulting in structural instability.
Cattlemans Plumbing offers leak detection and repair services. Our plumbers use thermal imaging and sound equipment to pinpoint leaks so we can repair the damaged pipes and stop water waste.
Please do not ignore the signs of leaks because they will only worsen over time. Annual plumbing inspections can help you avoid leaks.
Test the Water Pressure
If you suddenly develop water pressure issues, they could indicate a leak. To test the pressure, you can turn on the faucets simultaneously to see if they maintain pressure.
If any faucets have lower water pressure, clean or replace the aerators. They can become clogged with mineral deposits, reducing water flow. If you have a severe or sudden drop in water pressure, our plumbers can assess the issue and determine if a leak or blockage is causing the problem.
Check for Slow Drains
Over time, drains can become clogged with hair, grease, food, and debris and suffer from mineral buildup. You should test your drain function to ensure there are no issues.
Never use chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes. These chemical concoctions weaken pipes and make them more likely to leak.
You can prevent sluggish and clogged drains by scheduling hydro-jetting every one to two years. Hydro-jetting uses high-powered water to flush your drain lines and remove clogs caused by soap scum, grease, and invasive tree root growth. This maintenance service can help prevent clogs in the future because it cleans the walls of your pipes and removes any accumulation.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Your outdoor faucets and hoses can take a beating during the winters. Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause cracks in the faucets and hose bibs, leading to leaks.
Hose bibs often leak because of a burst pipe in the wall. You should inspect the hoses, faucets, and components for signs of wear and tear. Turn them on to check for leaks. If you notice damage or leaks, replace the hose or faucet.
Test the Sump Pump
Many homes in Fort Worth have sump pumps installed to help prevent basement flooding, which can cause structural damage. Heavy spring rains can increase flooding risks, so checking and testing the sump pump for normal function is essential.
You can pour a bucket of water into the sump pump pit to see if it engages. Listen for any unusual noises. You should also confirm that the discharge pipe safely ushers water away from your home.
If your sump pump does not operate correctly, you may need to clean the inlet screen. A professional inspection and diagnostics can help find the problem and ensure the pump works effectively.
Drain and Flush Your Water Heater
Water heaters must work harder during cold winters because the water intake is much colder, requiring more heat. An annual inspection, testing, and flushing service will keep your water heater working more effectively and efficiently.
Sediment can build up inside your water heater tank, reducing its ability to heat the stored water. Spring is the perfect time to seek professional water heater maintenance. You should check your tank for signs of swelling, sweating, or corrosion between visits. Also, check the base for pooling water that indicates a leak.
Examine Your Toilet Components
Although toilets can last up to 50 years, they require inner component replacement every two to three. Faulty toilets can account for thousands of gallons of water waste annually. Consider checking for these issues during your inspection:
- Porcelain cracks
- Failure to stop running
- Tank overfilling
- Fluctuating water levels
- Strange noises
- Base leaks
- Toilet rocking
A professional toilet inspection and testing can help reveal the source of your problems. Do not ignore toilet issues as they will continue to worsen and could put your home at risk of water damage.
Inspect Your Sewer Lines
As spring causes the ground to thaw, shifting soil and increased groundwater can damage your underground plumbing. You should schedule an annual inspection to look for signs of clogs or leaks.
Frequent backups, slow drains, and foul odors indicate sewer line problems. We can send a small camera attached to a flexible rod down your pipes to monitor their health in real time.
Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses
Washing machine hoses last three to five years before needing replacement. If you notice the following signs, you should seek professional plumbing services.
- Cracks
- Blisters
- Bulging
- Discoloration
- Kinks or crimps
- Leaks
If your washing machine hoses show signs of damage or are reaching the end of their life span, you will need to replace them. Upgrading to stainless-steel hoses can increase their durability and longevity.
Inspect Your Sprinkler System
Before starting your sprinkler system in spring, inspect it for signs of damage, such as misaligned nozzles, broken heads, and leaks. After the initial inspection, test each zone to ensure even water distribution. Installing a smart sprinkler system can help you save money on your utility bills by reducing waste.
Check for Pipe Corrosion
Your pipes can corrode over time, especially if you have hard water. Check your copper pipes for green stains or flaking. If you have pipe corrosion, you may notice a metallic water taste. Replacing the damaged pipe sections and addressing any hard water issues can prevent costly leaks and water damage later.
Get Your Plumbing in Shape for Warmer Weather
Implementing the steps above will ensure your plumbing system is ready for warmer days. A little work now can help you avoid big plumbing disasters later. Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection is the best way to keep your system working efficiently.
Cattlemans Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving the needs of Fort Worth residents for over 30 years. We offer plumbing services, including pipe repair, rooter, drain cleaning, sump pumps, and hydro-jetting. Schedule your plumbing inspection services with Cattlemans Plumbing today!
