These 4 Outdoor Plumbing Tips will get you Ready for Spring

Can you feel it? Spring is in the air in Apple Valley, MN, which is always welcome after a long winter. As the temperatures climb and the days get a little longer, we suddenly have the energy we lacked during the dreary winter to get important tasks done around your home.

Are you doing any spring cleaning this year? While you are at it, take a few minutes to tend to your outdoor plumbing, which can be in need of repair after a chilly winter in Apple Valley, MN. Here are some handy tips to get you going.

Did the Faucets Freeze?

Your faucets are prone to freezing when it dips below zero, which can create a number of problems. When the faucets and surrounding pipes freeze, they often crack or even burst.

This can mean a small drip or even significant water damage seeping back in through the interior walls of your home, depending on where the break is.

Turn the water on. Does it spray everywhere? Do you see obvious signs of leaks? To test if there is a leak further in the pipe, place the palm of your hand over the spigot and turn it on full force. If the blast of the water pushes your hand off- no leak. If you can contain it because the pressure is lower, you may have a leak.

Gutter Cleaning

Over the winter, you likely have gathered branches and leaves in your gutters and downspouts, which is a big problem. It blocks the water from flowing out, which can create water damage in your home and mold growth.

Remove any debris on a regular basis. Climb up a ladder and visually inspect the gutters and downspouts for damage, or any signs of water damage or leaks on or around the roof.

Hose Replacement

Hopefully, you disconnected your hoses from your outdoor faucets before the winter. If you didn’t plan to do this next year.

The problem is that if you leave them connected, the residual water in them will freeze and can cause surrounding pipes to crack and leak.

That’s why you should always activate the shut-off valve in your home from your faucets. If you did leave the hoses on, you would likely need to replace them as they may be damaged.

Sprinkler Inspection

Walk around your lawn to ensure that sprinkler nozzles are in good shape. Check valve boxes for water (signs of a leak).

Check the regulator that the time and date settings are as you desire. Don’t leave the health of your outdoor plumbing to chance.

There is too much at stake. Taking these simple steps at the beginning of the season can save you a lot of grief later on.