🌼 Spring Plumbing Checklist
As the ground thaws and the weather warms, spring is the perfect time to show your plumbing some love. After months of freezing temps, ice, and snow, your home’s pipes, fixtures, and systems could use a once-over to prevent issues and prep for warmer weather.
Use this comprehensive 14-step checklist to catch problems early, save water, and get your plumbing in top shape for the seasons ahead.
✅ 1. Inspect for Leaks Indoors
Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances like your washer or dishwasher. Look for water spots, dampness, or signs of mold.
💧 A small drip can waste hundreds of gallons a year—and cost you in repairs.
✅ 2. Test All Faucets and Showerheads
Turn on every faucet and shower to check water pressure and flow. Inconsistent pressure may point to a clog, buildup, or leak in the line.
✅ 3. Flush and Inspect Toilets
Make sure your toilets flush properly and don’t keep running afterward. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day.
🚽 Add food coloring to the tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
✅ 4. Check Exposed Pipes for Cracks
Cold temps can cause hairline cracks that aren’t noticeable until spring. Look for any bulges, rust, or wet spots on visible piping in your basement, crawl space, or utility room.
✅ 5. Look Around for Ceiling Stains
A brown water stain on the ceiling might be your first clue that a pipe or fitting above has started leaking.
✅ 6. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment builds up over winter, reducing efficiency. Flushing your tank helps it run smoother, heat faster, and last longer.
🌡️ Keep the temp around 120°F for optimal performance and safety.
✅ 7. Test the Sump Pump
Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump turns on and drains properly. Spring rain is coming—you don’t want surprises.
✅ 8. Check Outdoor Hose Bibs and Spigots
Turn them on and look for leaks or weak water flow. A crack in the pipe inside the wall is a common result of freezing temps.
✅ 9. Reattach Hoses & Check for Damage
Inspect hoses for splits, brittleness, or leaks before reconnecting to faucets or sprinklers. Replace as needed.
✅ 10. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can back water up against your house and into your foundation. Clean them out and ensure downspouts drain properly away from the home.
✅ 11. Inspect Irrigation Systems
Before you fire up the sprinklers, walk your yard and check for broken heads, uneven spray, or water pooling. Run a quick test cycle and adjust as needed.
✅ 12. Clean Out Drain Traps
Spring cleaning = a great excuse to clean your P-traps under sinks and tubs. Remove debris and rinse out buildup to prevent smells and blockages.
✅ 13. Check Washing Machine Hoses
Make sure hoses are tight, dry, and free of cracks. Replace any that show wear—burst hoses can flood a laundry room in minutes.
✅ 14. Look at Your Water Meter
Turn off all the water in your home, then watch the meter. If it keeps moving, you likely have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
💡 Bonus Tip: Schedule a Professional Inspection
Not every problem is visible. A licensed plumber can:
- Check water pressure and valves
- Perform video inspections of your drains
- Test your water quality
- Spot issues before they become emergencies
🧰 At Mumma Plumbing, we offer seasonal inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your plumbing strong all year long.
🌸 Spring Into Action
Your plumbing worked hard all winter—spring is the time to give it some care in return. Use this checklist to avoid costly repairs, conserve water, and make sure your home is ready for the warmer months ahead.
Need help with a leak, inspection, or anything in between?
Call Mumma Plumbing at 1-877-853-6866
Or explore more DIY tips on our Plumbing Blog.