As winter fades and temperatures rise, your home’s plumbing deserves some attention to ensure a smooth transition into the warmer months. A little proactive maintenance now can prevent costly repairs, water damage, and unexpected headaches down the road.

To help you get started, we've gathered practical plumbing tips from TV Host and Contractor Sherry Holmes. These tips, which she's learned over the years working with the pros, will keep your home in top shape this spring. Whether inside or out, these steps will help safeguard your plumbing system for the season ahead!

Sherry Holmes’ Top Tips For Your Home’s Exterior

• Check for Leaks: Inspect and replace outside faucets, spigots, and hoses for leaks and damage. Even small drips can waste water and lead to bigger issues.

Homeowner Tip: Upgrade to a frost-free hose bib to prevent freezing. Its longer stem extends into the home's interior, keeping water above freezing temperatures.

• Clean Out Gutters & Downspouts: Clear debris to prevent water from backing up and affecting your home’s foundation and plumbing. Downspouts connected to the sewer system can also cause problems. A sewer overflow can occur during heavy rain, leading to unsanitary conditions or a sewer pipe blockage.

Homeowner Tip: Remember when working with heights and a ladder, ensure you follow the proper safety protocols, have a spotter and stay clear of hydro lines.

• Watch for Tree Roots: If you have a lot of mature trees on or near your property, keep an eye on uneven ground and root intrusion. The root systems of mature trees can cause extensive damage to old clay weeping systems and sewer lines. If you have concerns consult with a licensed plumber as they can inspect your drains and provide the necessary solutions.
• Grading and Pooling Water: Ensure the ground around your foundation is angled away from the foundation and address any large areas of water pooling. It’s normal to have puddles after a heavy rainfall. However, if they don’t dry out after a day or two it could be a signal you have more serious water draining issues and you may need to consult with an expert.

Sherry Holmes’ Top Tips For Your Home’s Interior

• Check for Leaks: Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage and higher utility bills. Periodically inspect faucets, showerheads, and pipes for any signs of dripping or moisture. Addressing leaks early can save you from more extensive repairs down the line.

Homeowner Tip: Make sure you and family members know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home. If you encounter a significant leak or burst pipe, it is important that you shut off the water quickly to minimize the water damage.

• Check Your Sump Pump – If your home has a sump pump, it’s crucial to ensure it’s functioning correctly, especially before the rainy season, like now. Test it by pouring water into the sump pit to see if it activates. A working sump pump can protect your basement from flooding. My dad has also taught it is best to have a battery back for your sump pump. Also, with our weather patterns becoming more extreme a sump pump is a good preventative tool too!

Homeowner Tip: When we renovate a basement we will often install a backwater value to prevent sewage backups and costly damage. Some municipalities offer subsidies, and you can install it yourself.

• Look for Slow Drains – A slow drain could indicate a clog forming in your pipes. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods down the kitchen sink. Use a drain cover to catch hair and debris in the bathroom. Regularly flush drains with hot water and baking soda to prevent buildup and avoid chemical cleaners. Opt for a plunger or get a plumber to snake for minor clogs.

Homeowner Tip: A plunger is the first thing we think of when we have a clogged drain or toilet. It’s also advisable to have a flange plunger as well as a cup plunger. A flange plunger is specially designed to be used for clogged toilets, whereas a cup plunger is better for sinks, and flat surfaces. Both are essential tools to have in your home.

• Check the Water Pressure - Low water pressure can signal sediment buildup in your pipes or a more significant issue. Test your home’s water pressure using a gauge. If it’s too low or too high, a professional may need to assess the situation. If the problem is throughout your home, you should definitely call a licensed plumber to test your water pressure and check your plumbing. It could be narrow pipelines (typically) in older homes, corroded pipes, or incorrect plumbing. Either way, call a professional!

Homeowner Tip: If it's just one tap, it might be that the faucet aerator needs cleaning to remove debris and deposits collected from inside your pipes. Faucet aerators are screens at the end of a faucet and they help reduce the amount of water and control the stream that comes out of a faucet.

• Flush Water Heater – Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency; flush it to improve performance. A handy homeowner should do this twice a year or your HVAC technician will do it during their annual inspection.
• Test for Hard Water - Acidic or mineral-rich water can damage copper pipes, while hard water affects galvanized pipes. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which cause stains, buildup, and clogs. Over time, this scaling can damage sinks, taps, and appliances, leading to costly repairs. If you're concerned, contact your local public health office for water testing and test kits.

Think of plumbing maintenance like a health check-up for your home—catching leaks, clogs, and corrosion early saves you from costly repairs, water damage, and mould. Regular inspections keep water flowing efficiently, cut down bills, and extend pipe life. A little upkeep now means fewer emergencies and a reliable system for years!

Taking a few proactive steps now can save you from costly plumbing issues down the road. From checking for leaks and testing your sump pump to cleaning gutters and managing drainage, these simple maintenance tasks help keep your home running smoothly. Think of plumbing upkeep like therapy—even when it doesn’t seem urgent, it’s essential for long-term health. Put in the effort now, and you’ll be free to enjoy a stress-free summer.