With spring in the air and temperatures on the rise, the snow is melting — and with it, plumbing problems that were hidden all winter begin to show up. Lawns are flooding, outdoor faucets are thawing, and those hairline cracks in pipes that formed during the deep cold are now leaking. Acting now, before the heavy spring rains arrive, will help ensure your plumbing is ready and protect your home from expensive water damage.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Garden Hoses
Before reconnecting garden hoses or irrigation lines, turn on each outdoor faucet and check for leaks at the faucet body, the connection point, and inside the home at the shut-off valve. A faucet that drips or runs slowly despite being fully open may have a cracked fitting from winter frost. Inspect hoses for cracks, splits, or connector damage that formed over winter storage.
Check and Restart Your Irrigation System
If your home has an in-ground irrigation system, have it professionally inspected and restarted by a licensed plumber or irrigation specialist. Winter can shift sprinkler heads out of alignment, crack risers, and freeze backflow preventer assemblies. Test the system zone by zone, look for any dry spots that could indicate a failed head, and verify that the backflow preventer operates correctly.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters from fall leaves and winter debris force water to back up against your fascia, under shingles, and ultimately into your wall cavities and foundation. Clear all gutters and check that downspouts are connected and directing water at least 1.5 metres away from the foundation. Spring in the Lower Mainland brings heavy rain — your gutter system needs to be ready.
Inspect and Test Your Sump Pump
Spring is peak sump pump season in Coquitlam. Test your sump pump before you need it: pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and verify that the float switch activates the pump and that water is discharged properly through the exit pipe. Check that the exit pipe is clear of ice and debris. If the pump runs but struggles to keep up, or makes grinding noises, have it serviced or replaced before the spring rains arrive in earnest.
Look for Signs of Pipe Movement or Damage
The freeze-thaw cycle of a Lower Mainland winter can shift soil and stress underground water service lines. If you notice a soft, wet spot in your lawn that doesn't dry up, or hear running water when no fixtures are in use, you may have a slow leak in your underground service line. Call a licensed plumber to investigate before the problem grows.
Flush Your Water Heater
Over the winter, sediment from your water supply accumulates at the bottom of the water heater tank. This reduces efficiency, creates a rumbling sound during heating, and shortens the tank's lifespan. Flushing the tank in spring removes this sediment and helps the heater operate at peak efficiency as it works harder during the warmer months.
If you are concerned about any aspect of your home's plumbing heading into spring, Hippo Plumbing & Heating provides comprehensive residential plumbing inspections throughout Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities. Call us at (604) 365-0812 or use the contact form to schedule a visit.