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Plumbing disasters love bad timing. One minute you’re minding your business, and the next, you’re ankle-deep in a puddle that definitely wasn’t part of the floor plan. This guide is your no-fluff playbook to keep those “what now?” moments from happening in the first place.
At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we believe a proactive approach can help homeowners avoid costly plumbing repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple checklist to help you avoid common plumbing issues, spot minor problems before they become full-blown plumbing disasters, and know when it’s time to call in the experts.
Your Spring Plumbing Checklist: Prevent Problems Before They Start
Spring is all about fresh starts, and that includes your plumbing. Even during the relatively mild winters in Jacksonville, cold weather can put a significant strain on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Here’s an easy-to-follow seasonal checklist that could prevent big plumbing problems before they start.
Check hoses for leaks – Whether it’s the hoses to your washing machine and dishwasher or the outdoor hose you use to water those freshly planted flowers, be sure to check for cracks or wear and tear.
Flush your water heater – It’s easy to forget about your water heater when the hot water’s flowing, but that can change fast. One cold shower on a cool spring morning is all it takes to wish you’d kept up with routine maintenance. After working hard all winter, your water heater can accumulate sediment, which reduces efficiency and increases the risk of breakdowns. Flushing it each spring helps keep it running smoothly and extends its lifespan.
Inspect outdoor spigots – Even in Florida, outdoor spigots don’t always get much use during the cooler months. If yours hasn’t seen any action in a while, now is a good time to give it a test run before yardwork and DIY projects ramp up. Keep an eye out for low or fluctuating water pressure. That could indicate a leak or another issue flying under the radar.
How to Spot Plumbing Problems Early: Small Signs, Big Trouble
Plumbing issues often start small but, if left unchecked, can turn into major problems down the road. How do you know you have a potential plumbing disaster on your hands? While not every funky odor or gurgling drain in your home means you have a significant issue, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s what to keep your eyes (and nose) on:
Leaky faucets – While easy to dismiss as a minor annoyance, a leaky faucet can lead to significant water waste (and a spike in your water bill) and is often a sign of a larger plumbing issue.
Low water pressure – Toilet taking forever to refill? Trouble rinsing off the dishes? Low water pressure in your home can have any number of causes, from pipe corrosion to leaks or sediment buildup in faucets and showerheads. Sometimes, there is a simple fix (like replacing the showerhead), but a sudden drop in water pressure may be your plumbing trying to tell you something. And it’s not whispering.
Water stains – Have mysterious orangish or reddish stains around your sinks, tub drains, or toilets? Maybe a brownish spot on your ceilings or walls? Those rusty red rings and mystery ceiling spots aren’t just ugly, they’re tattletales. Stains like these can be your home’s way of warning you of a bigger issue. It could be a sign of iron in your water, a slow leak hiding behind the walls, or even plumbing that’s starting to give out.
Musty smells – That damp smell isn’t part of your home’s “character.” If there is an odor coming from your pipes or drains, it’s likely from a clogged or bad P-trap. Without getting too technical, the P-trap essentially prevents sewer gas from backing up in the drain. When the P-trap is not working correctly, the drain gases will reach your house and cause that musty smell.
DIY vs. Calling a Pro: Know When to Handle It Yourself
As homeowners, there’s a sense of pride in getting our hands dirty now and then. Whether it’s unclogging drains, tightening a loose pipe, or replacing a faucet washer, certain plumbing issues fall within the DIY category. But we’ve seen enough plumbing fails in our time to know that for every DIY project that goes right, some turn out terribly (or hilariously) wrong.
The key is knowing when a plumbing issue is too big for you to handle on your own. When there are issues with the plumbing lines, a significant leak, or sewer issues, that’s where trusted professional plumbing companies in Jacksonville (like Hall & Sons) come in. With over 40 years of combined experience, Hall & Sons Plumbing is dedicated to delivering high-quality plumbing services with honesty and respect. Every project we take on, whether a small repair or a major installation, is approached with the same dedication to quality.
Contact Hall & Sons Plumbing Today
While they tend to strike when you least expect them, plumbing disasters don’t usually happen out of nowhere. They build up slowly through small leaks, worn-out parts, or common warning signs you may overlook. The good news? With a bit of seasonal maintenance, some basic awareness, and knowing when to call in backup, you can avoid a lot of stress.
For those plumbing disasters in life that you just can’t handle yourself, the team at Hall & Sons is here to help. Don’t wait for your next plumbing surprise. Call Hall & Sons Plumbing at 904-429-9747 or contact us online to schedule service. We’ve got Jacksonville (and the surrounding areas) covered.