Well, we all came through this winter season fairly unscathed!  We could have used more water and snow however.  The good thing about a light winter is the lack of flooding which helped us all avoid a lot of drain issues!

It’s officially springtime, one of my favorite times of the year.  So what can we do to prevent serious plumbing/draining issues?  I thought you would ask this question, so here you go:

Outside

• Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes. Some people secure a wire meshover the top of all vent pipes.  If these vent pipes are blocked, you will know it!  You will start to experience sewer gas odors in the home.
• Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe/valve that cracked and needs to be replaced.

I experienced the above this spring, even though I installed one of those insulated faucet covers.  I turned on the faucet and OMG, water was coming through my home’s siding. 

Inside

• This would be a good time to drain & flush your hot water heater which will help loosen out any sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
  • Shut off the heating element for your water tank. If you have an electric heater, turn off the breaker at the main panel.  If it’s a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the pilot setting.
  • Turn off the cold water supply to your tank. You probably have a shut-off right at the tank (on a copper pipe running into the top of the tank).
  • Attach a garden hose to the bottom drain valve on your water tank and run the hose to a drain.
  • Turn on a hot water faucet in your home (this will make sure a vacuum doesn’t form in the lines).
  • Return to the tank and open the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. (The valve on the side of the tank, near the top, is a pressure relief valve. Leave it alone.)
  • Check the color of the water coming out of the tank. At first it will likely be rusty or dark, but after a few gallons have drained, it should become clear.
  • Close the drain valve on the tank when the water runs clear, then turn off the hot water tap in your home.
  • Turn the cold water supply back on and allow the tank to fill.
  • Turn the power or the gas supply back on once the tank has filled with water.

If you have any comments, please feel free to post them on the blog!  Have a great Spring Season!!!

Dan Wager