As spring arrives, so does the opportunity to refresh your home and tackle preventative maintenance tasks—especially when it comes to plumbing. With increased rainfall, higher humidity, and more outdoor activity, spring is the perfect time to make sure your home’s plumbing system is in top shape. From checking sump pumps to preventing hidden leaks, here are 7 essential spring plumbing tips every homeowner should follow.

1.Test Your Sump Pump Before the Rain Hits

Spring showers can quickly overwhelm basements or crawl spaces, especially if your sump pump isn’t up to the task. To test yours:

Pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit to raise the float switch—your pump should kick on and drain the water.
Check the discharge pipe for blockages like leaves or dirt.
If you have a battery backup system, test that too—it could be your safety net during a power outage.

Don’t let a flooded basement be your spring surprise.

2. Inspect Your Water Heater for Early Signs of Wear

Water heaters are especially vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. In spring, take a close look at your unit:

Check for rust spots or discoloration, especially near the base.
Listen for popping or rumbling sounds—these could indicate sediment buildup.
If the tank is over 10 years old, consider having it professionally inspected to avoid unexpected leaks.

3. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a huge role in directing water away from your home. When clogged, they can lead to foundation issues and unwanted moisture indoors.

Remove leaves, twigs, and debris.
Flush the system with a hose to check for proper drainage.
Use a shop vacuum with an attachment to clean out downspouts more efficiently.

Clean gutters help prevent puddles from turning into problems.

4. Look for Outdoor Leaks and Sprinkler Damage

Once you start watering your lawn or using outdoor faucets again, watch for signs of leaks:

Inspect hose bibs and spigots for dripping or cracks from winter freezes.
Run your sprinkler system and look for broken heads or erratic spray patterns.
Check hoses for cracks or worn connectors that might waste water.

A quick outdoor check can save you money on your water bill and help keep landscaping intact.

5. Exercise Water Valves

Valves can get sticky or stuck from lack of use, especially in areas with hard water. This spring:

Locate your main shut-off valve and any secondary ones.
Turn them on and off a few times to prevent future seizing.
If any valve is hard to turn or leaks, it’s time to have it looked at or replaced.

This small step can make a big difference during emergencies.

6. Search for Sneaky Indoor Leaks

Not all leaks are obvious. Spring is a great time to look for hidden water issues before they become major problems.

Check under sinks and behind appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
Add food coloring to your toilet tank—if the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
Look for water stains, warped wood, or mold growth near pipes or plumbing fixtures.

Catching leaks early helps prevent water damage and mold growth down the line.

7. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Preventative plumbing maintenance should be part of your spring routine. A licensed plumber can:

Inspect pipes, drains, and faucets for wear or blockages.
Check gas lines, sump systems, and outdoor plumbing for function and safety.
Help you identify minor issues before they become expensive repairs.

Even if everything seems fine, a professional once-over each spring can provide peace of mind and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Spring is the perfect time to get proactive with your plumbing. Whether it’s testing equipment, cleaning up debris, or checking for leaks, these simple steps can help prevent water damage, save on utility bills, and extend the life of your system. A few quick tasks now can save you a lot of hassle later.