As the winter chill finally gives way to warmer days, your plumbing system deserves a little attention. Pipes and fixtures that sat unused or faced freezing temperatures can develop leaks, clogs, or other issues you won’t want to ignore. Taking the time to de-winterize your plumbing now helps prevent costly surprises later. At Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical, we help homeowners in Denver, CO and the surrounding area get their plumbing systems ready for spring with expert care and reliable service.
Check for Frozen or Damaged Pipes
When temperatures drop, the water sitting inside your pipes doesn’t stay still. It contracts and, if the cold sticks around long enough, freezes. When water freezes, it expands, and that’s where the trouble starts. If you left your home’s plumbing unattended during winter or if you kept your house warm but didn’t use all your fixtures, it’s a good idea to start with a visual inspection.
Walk through your home, and check any exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages. Pipes with cracks, rust spots, or signs of bulging may have taken a hit during the colder months. While the damage might not be obvious at first, those weak spots can start leaking once you turn the water back on. Even a slow drip can lead to bigger problems if you ignore it.
It helps to listen as well as look. Turn on faucets, and listen for rattling or gurgling sounds that could mean there’s air trapped in the pipes. If a pipe froze and cracked, you might have weak water pressure or no water at all in some areas of your house. That could mean there’s a clog or a bigger break that needs to be fixed.
Slowly Turn the Water Back On
When you’re ready to get your plumbing up and running again, don’t just crank the main valve open and move on. After a season of rest or limited use, your pipes need a gentle start. Water rushing into a system that’s been sitting for a while can cause pressure spikes that lead to leaks or bursts.
Turn the main water valve on slowly to let the pressure build up at a gentle pace. Keeping faucets open while you do this helps things go smoothly. The open taps give trapped air somewhere to go, reducing the risk of air pockets causing sudden pressure changes. You might hear some sputtering or uneven flow at first, but that’s normal.
As the water starts flowing again, move from fixture to fixture. Test sinks, showers, toilets, and outdoor spigots one by one. Watch for anything off, like weak pressure, weird noises, or cloudy water. When pipes haven’t been used for a while, gunk can build up inside. Running water for a few minutes usually clears it. While you’re turning things back on, look for leaks. Even small drips can cause trouble, especially if they’re hidden behind walls or floors.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Outside pipes can get really damaged in the winter, especially if you haven’t disconnected hoses or shut off outdoor spigots. Water sitting inside a hose or faucet during a hard freeze can expand and crack the material, leaving you with leaks when warmer weather returns.
Start by removing any hoses that stayed connected during the winter. Look them over for cracks, stiff spots, or other signs of damage. Next, turn on each outdoor faucet, and let the water run for a minute or two. Listen for hissing or whistling sounds, and watch for any drips or puddles forming around the spigot or along the connected pipe. If the water flow seems weak, it might point to a blockage or damage within the pipe itself. If you installed frost-proof spigots, you’re probably in better shape. But even those can fail if they weren’t installed correctly or if the water supply wasn’t completely shut off during winter.
Flush Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder during cold months, especially if you like to keep your home cozy and your showers hot. All that work adds up, especially if sediment has built up inside the tank. When water sits in the tank for long periods or runs through mineral-heavy water lines, particles settle at the bottom. That sediment makes your heater less efficient and can cause it to overheat or leak.
Flushing your water heater in the spring helps keep it running smoothly. Start by turning off the power supply to the appliance. For electric models, switch off the circuit breaker. Turn the thermostat to the pilot position if it’s a gas water heater. Connect your hose to the drain valve, and run the other end to a safe drainage spot, like a floor drain or outside area.
Opening the drain valve lets the water and sediment flow out. You might be surprised by how much grit and debris come out, especially if you haven’t flushed the heater in a while. Once the tank empties, close the drain valve, remove the hose, and refill the heater before restoring power. Keeping this part of your plumbing system clean makes heating water easier and helps it last longer.
Check for Leaks and Water Pressure Issues
As you test each fixture and appliance, pay attention to water pressure. Sudden drops or weak flow can mean clogs, leaks, or even damaged pipes. If you notice a fixture isn’t performing like it used to, investigate further.
Check under sinks, around water heaters, and near exposed pipes for any signs of moisture. Even if the drip seems minor, it’s worth fixing. Water damage doesn’t affect your plumbing alone. I left unchecked, it can also cause problems with insulation, drywall, and even your home’s foundation.
It’s also a good idea to check your water meter before and after you turn your system back on. If the meter keeps moving when you’re not using water, it probably means there’s a leak somewhere. Finding it sooner rather than later helps keep your water bill manageable and saves your home from moisture-related damage.
Test Drainage Systems
Spring also offers a good opportunity to test your drainage systems. Gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps all play important roles in keeping water away from your foundation. Clogged drains or failing pumps can lead to flooding, especially when heavy rains hit.
Pour a bucket of water into your sump pump pit, and watch how it responds. A working pump should activate quickly and remove the water without an issue. If it struggles or doesn’t work at all, you’ll need to figure out why before the next big storm rolls through.
Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re clear of leaves, debris, or any blockages that could cause backups. Water needs a clear path to flow away from your house. Anything that interrupts that flow can cause issues both inside and outside.
Keeping your plumbing system in good shape as the seasons change makes a big difference in how well everything functions. Taking a few minutes to check for leaks or flush your water heater goes a long way to keep your plumbing in peak condition.
De-Winterize Your Plumbing Today
De-winterizing your plumbing in Denver doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a bit of patience and know-how. It’s best to leave it to the pros, and Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help. We also install and repair boilers and both tank and tankless water heaters.
Call us at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule your spring plumbing inspection and keep your system running without a hitch.
