The end of a particularly long Utah winter like the one we've just gone through is often a great opportunity to check on certain components or systems within your home to confirm they're still in good shape, and a great example here is your plumbing system. There are a few minor issues that may have come up within or surrounding your plumbing system over the last several months, and now is a great time to assess them and remedy any issues before the hot summer arrives.

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we're happy to help clients around Salt Lake City, Park City, Millcreek, Sugar House and nearby areas with all their plumbing needs, from drain cleaning concerns to water heaters, repairs and much more. Whether on your own or with the help of our team, here are some basic areas to check on and perhaps perform some minor repairs or upgrades on this spring.

Basic Inspection - Both Outdoor and Indoor

As you're checking around your home, take the time to look at both the interior and exterior of your plumbing system. Start with all the visible pipes, hoses and fixtures outside – check for corrosion or any signs of damage from wear & tear, including accidental or intentional tampering. If possible, flush out these external systems as well.

Inside, check on toilets and sinks, as well as any other fixtures or appliances that use water. Look for blockages and check the pressure to ensure everything is in proper working order. Make sure there are no cracks or breaks in the pipes, and look around for potential areas of leakage.

While all this might sound daunting, it can be surprisingly easy with a little bit of knowledge and experience. But if it’s too difficult or you don’t have the time to take a look at your plumbing system, reach out to us for a professional checkup. We’ll be happy to help ensure that everything is in working order – so you can rest easy when the hot summer weather arrives!

Clearing Debris from Drainage Areas

Another important check to perform this spring is to clean out the drainage areas around the home. This includes unclogging drains, flushing faucets and making sure gutters are clear of debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt. If these areas are blocked, water won’t flow properly, meaning it can create a pooling effect which is a breeding ground for mosquitos, as well as other pests or diseases.

Sump Pump Test

If your home contains a sump pump, running a test to ensure it’s still in good working condition is highly recommended. Make sure the power source and float switch are properly connected and functioning, then fill the pit with water to check for proper drainage.

For those unaware, a sump pump is a device that collects and pumps out excess water from a pit located at the lowest point of your home, typically in the basement or crawlspace. It’s meant to protect your home from flooding in cases of extreme rain or snowmelt, so make sure it’s tested before the summer season arrives.

Checking Pipes for Damage

Over the long winter we've just been through, it's possible that the cold temperatures may have caused some damage to your home’s pipes. Take a look around for any signs of cracking or leaks, as well as blocked drains and faulty valves. If anything looks amiss, contact us right away so we can come in and make the necessary repairs before summer arrives.

Cracks or leaks in your pipes can be a serious problem, leading to all sorts of issues such as water damage and flooding. We can help you check for these problems, and if needed replace pipes or take other corrective action.

Pay Attention to Any Backups or Blockages

If you begin to notice any backups or blockages in your plumbing system, it could be a sign of an issue that needs to be addressed. This is especially true if the problem persists despite regular maintenance. Reach out to us for assistance and we'll take a look at what might be causing the problem.

In some cases, these issues may require more extensive work such as a sewer line replacement, but often times it’s something more minor that can be fixed relatively quickly.

By taking the time to assess and check on any potential problems with your plumbing system this spring, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs or worse come summer time! Reach out to us today at Neighborly Plumbing & Services to learn about any of our plumbing programs for clients around SLC, Millcreek, Sugar House, Park City and nearby parts of Utah!