Your Essential Melbourne Spring Plumbing Checklist
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmer, breezier days of spring, now is the perfect time to check up on your home’s plumbing. The winter months can be tough on pipes, and roofs, so a thorough inspection helps prevent any unwanted surprises. Here’s a handy spring plumbing checklist to ensure your plumbing is in peak condition for hay fever season!
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Inspect Outdoor Taps and Hoses
Winter’s freezing temperatures can cause outdoor taps and hoses to crack or leak. Now that spring has arrived, reconnect any hoses that were stored and inspect for leaks or drips.
Tip: Run water through your outdoor taps and look for any signs of low pressure, which may indicate a hidden leak or damage to the pipe.
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Clean Gutters and Downpipes
Did you know the month of October has the highest rainfall on average in Melbourne? Spring showers mean your gutters and downpipes will be hard at work. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and even foundation issues if left unchecked.
Tip: Ensure gutters and drains are free from leaves, twigs, and debris. This also prevents the buildup of pests like mosquitoes and drain flies.
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Test Your Hot Water System
After working overtime in winter, your water heater could be due for maintenance. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can reduce efficiency, leading to higher energy bills.
Tip: If your Hot Water System is more than 10 years old, consider a service, or even upgrading to a more energy-efficient heat pump system.
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Check for Sewer Blockages
Spring is notorious for tree roots expanding into sewer lines, causing blockages or slow drains. If your home has older plumbing, be particularly cautious of this issue.
Tip: If you notice slow drains or gurgling sounds from your pipes, it might be time to call in a licensed plumber for a CCTV camera inspection.
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Check Your Flexi Hoses
This should be done every during every change of season as they can be ticking time bombs; When a flexi hose bursts, the amount of escaped water can equal the volume of a family swimming pool!
Tip: If any of your flexi hoses have braiding that is frayed, rusted, your hose is stretched too tightly, is kinked or you know you haven’t had them changed over in 10 years, that is a sign your flexi hose may burst and they need replacing from a licensed plumber.
Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to your home’s interior – your plumbing system needs care too. By following this simple checklist, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly throughout the season. If you need any help, such as replacing frayed flexi hoses or servicing your hot water system, give McCarthy Plumbing Group a call on 03 9931 0905.