Plumbing systems go mostly unnoticed until something goes wrong, but understanding how different weather affects your home’s plumbing and taking proactive maintenance steps can prevent costly emergencies throughout the year. Frigid winter temperatures, for example, put pipes at risk of bursting, leading to devastating flooding damage and costly repairs. 

In summer, leaking garden taps, sprinklers and high water demand strain household systems, creating leaks and pressure fluctuations. Maintaining your home’s drainage system and regularly cleaning gutters can also prevent blockages and floods. There are plenty of common plumbing problems in homes, but many can be prevented!

Winter 

Pipes are most at risk for freezing and rupturing during winter. When pipes freeze and burst, they can cause costly damage and create a flood in your home. Here are some winter plumbing tips to help prevent frozen pipes: 

Learn where your water shutoff valve is located. Turn off the water to outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Insulate all outdoor faucets and hose bibs with molded foam insulated covers, available at most hardware stores, or wrap them in newspaper or rags covered with plastic wrap. Caulk around any openings where pipes enter your home or building and close all foundation vents. 

Leave faucets dripping at a slow trickle to encourage water flow and discourage freezing. If you have pipes running along exterior walls, open cabinet doors to allow heat from the inside to reach them. Consider having a professional perform plumbing winterization, a process that prepares your building's interior and exterior plumbing for sub-freezing temperatures and protects against devastating pipe bursts. 

Spring 

With winter behind us and warmer weather upon us, it’s time to give your plumbing a little spring cleaning. A curated checklist can help you prevent costly repairs and enjoy a safe, leak-free setup all season long. 

Check for leaks under sinks, in toilets, and near water heaters. Small leaks can turn into major problems if they go unnoticed. Also look for water stains on the walls, musty odors, and water puddles. 

Test your home’s water pressure with a pressure gauge. It should be between 45 and 60 psi to avoid pipe damage and maintain water efficiency. 

Clean or replace your aerators and showerheads to prevent mineral buildup that restricts water flow. Also clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they direct rainwater away from your foundation and to prevent clogs. Also, be sure that your sump pump and backup system are ready to work when the storms roll in. To keep up with regular inspections and maintenance, consider checking with a reputable plumbing company.

Summer 

Summer vacations, pool parties, and barbecues are great fun but also put extra stress on the plumbing system. Increased water usage, hot weather, and kids home from school can result in toilets and drains backing up and clogging, while sprinkler systems and outdoor hose spigots are more likely to leak. Summer storms can also flood basements, putting additional strain on sump pumps and gutters. 

Shutting off the main water valve is one of the most important steps homeowners can take before going away for the summer. This prevents leaking pipes or floods from occurring while you are gone, and it will save you money on water bills and potential repairs. A professional plumbing inspection is also a smart idea, as an industry expert can look for corrosion, hidden leaks, and early signs of clogs. They can also check outdoor plumbing, including sprinkler systems and hose spigots. And they can help you install smart leak detectors and other devices to provide remote monitoring. 

Fall 

Melbourne's top plumber Fix-It Right Plumbing may tell you that getting seasonal plumbing maintenance done in the fall will help your home stay warm and leak-free all winter long. Insulating pipes is a key step to prevent them from freezing, which can cause major plumbing problems like pipe bursts and water damage. 

Check exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as the basement, garage, attic, or crawl spaces. Insulate them with foam pipe sleeves or heating tape to keep them from freezing. 

Test your sump pump to make sure it's ready for the fall rains. A clogged sump pump can lead to flooding, water damage, and costly repairs. 

Schedule a professional sewer line inspection. It's the best way to spot signs of trouble, like tree roots infiltrating older pipes and causing blockages. 

Close outdoor spigots and drain any remaining water from garden hoses. You should also install spigot covers that are resistant to freezing temperatures to protect them from bursts. This is a simple plumbing tip that will save you big headaches as the cold weather approaches.