Plumbing Tips for Spring
You know that you need to spend some time prepping your Chicago home and plumbing system for winter, but did you know that you also need to get your system ready for spring? Chicago temperatures can quickly drop below freezing in winter and leave you dealing with problems you never expected to find. Let Grayson Sewer & Drain Services help with your plumbing needs in Chicago as you prep your home for spring.
Look for Leaks
One of the most significant issues you face in winter is frozen pipes. This can happen When the temperature drops below 20 degrees for several hours or longer, especially if you don’t have a heat source nearby. You may find leaks in the spring that happened over the winter, but you didn’t notice.
A common sign of a leak is a damp floor, but you can also look for water damage and any pools of standing water. Don’t forget to look under or inside your cabinets and closets too.
Flush the Water Heater
You rely on your water heater to provide all of the hot water that you need. When it stops working, you’ll likely make an appointment with an emergency plumber in Chicago to take care of the problem. Flushing your water heater is another way to keep it running.
The mineral deposits found in your water can make their way through the lines and into the water heater. As they build up, they block more water from coming through and leave behind the scale, which can keep the heater from coming up to the temperature you want. A plumber can drain and clear the lines for you.
Take Care of Clogged Sewer Lines
The sewer line in your home carries away wastewater and forces it into the Chicago sewer system. Clogs can form in that line when you use flushable wipes that don’t break down, but many homes have clogged sewer lines due to trees.
The trees in your yard have extensive root systems that seek out water and nutrients from your pipes. Sewer services include a wide range of services such as sewer rodding. Chicago plumbers use large rods to break up large clogs with sewer line rodding. They can even reach clogs deep beneath your house.
Check Your Outdoor Lines
Many homes have outdoor water lines that connect to a faucet on the side of their home. When the temperature drops, this faucet can quickly freeze with water inside. As the temperature keeps rising and falling, that water will freeze and thaw. It expands inside the spout and can cause it to leak or break open. If you think you have a leak, don’t be afraid to call Grayson Sewer & Drain Services to see what to do next.
Consider Hydro Jetting Chicago Services
If you had even one pipe freeze and break over the winter, consider hydro jetting.
The main issue is that your pipes have mineral deposits inside, including lime and calcium. When the pipe freezes and the water melts, it will pull some of that buildup and carry it through your system. This is why you see specks or dark water coming out of your pipes.
Hydro jetting is one of the drain cleaning methods that plumbers use. It uses a high-pressure spray that forces water through the pipes to break up clogs and clean the pipes. Hydro jetting is safe to use on most types of pipes. We specialize in drain cleaning in Chicago, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Check Your Drains
The average Chicago home has multiple drains. You’ll find them inside your sinks and tubs, but you may also have one on your laundry room floor. You may not realize that winter clogs can force water up through the drain.
When the water recedes, it leaves behind some mineral deposits that block the drain. With sewer cleaning in Chicago, our plumbers can use the correct type of cleaning to free up that drain and ensure that it works properly.
Inspect the Sump Pump
If your home has a basement, you probably have a sump pump. A sump pump is placed in a basin on the basement floor, usually around the center of the space. The pump kicks on and pulls out the excess water when it detects too much water.
Sump pump inspections in Chicago allow a licensed plumber to check the basin and the pump. They may add water to the basin and ensure that the pump removes the water and carries it away from your basement. It would be best to opt for this service as it can save you high repairs bills.
Treat Your Pipes
Instead of making appointments for plumbing services in Chicago and worrying about the cost, you might decide to treat the pipes yourself. Though many stores sell drain cleaners, there are dangers associated with using those products.
They often use harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes, especially PVC plumbing or old metal pipes. As those pipes are under your home, you may not even know that you have a few leaks on your hands until you get your next water bill
Those chemicals are also dangerous to humans. While you know you need to keep them away from children, you may not know that the scent can make you sick. A licensed plumber has access to better products and tools to treat your pipes and keep your family safe.
Get Your Home Ready for Spring
Winter can wreak havoc on your Chicago home between the freezing temperatures, ice, and snow.
Call Grayson Sewer & Drain Services in Chicago today to make an appointment for the spring drain services that your plumbing system needs. Our plumbers can run a camera inside your pipes with a sewer video inspection in Chicago to look for clogs and other problems.
