5 Beneficial Spring Plumbing Projects

Spring is in the air and summer is on the horizon. As we work through spring cleaning and prepare our plumbing for the transition, you may be wondering what else you can do beyond simple maintenance. Read on to learn more about five beneficial spring plumbing projects to consider for your home.

1. Repair or Replace Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your home against flooding, so you want to address concerns ASAP. Sump pumps typically last around 10 years, but you should test them each spring by dumping a bucket of water into the pit. Call Robillard for professional inspection, repair, and/or replacement of your sump pump and battery backup should you notice any issues.

2. Update Faucets and Fixtures in Bathrooms and Kitchen

Installing new faucets and fixtures gives your home an updated, stylish look. Plus, since old fixtures can crack and/or rot without obvious signs of damage, upgrading them can also help the plumbing run properly.

3. Replacing and repairing outside faucets

If you notice there is dripping or notice leaks inside your home when a hose is turned on, there is potentially a pipe that froze in the winter and cracked when the temperature began to warm. This needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Also make sure that you turn your main water valve off and on, because if it is left untouched, it can become difficult to turn on over time.

4. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Without proper drainage, your plumbing could experience wastewater backups or other more serious (and more costly) issues. Prevent these problems by having your drains professionally tested and cleaned as part of your spring-cleaning checklist.

And while you’re at it…

5. Have Your Pipes Professionally Inspected

The piping in your plumbing system isn’t indestructible, and it’s not always easy to tell if major repairs or replacements are needed. The best move is to schedule a professional inspection, especially if you’re experiencing decreased water pressure, irregular noises and smells, and/or other plumbing issues more frequently.

We’ve already seen Minnesota’s unpredictable weather in action this season, and summer is right around the corner. As you prepare your home for the transition, consider adding these beneficial spring projects to the list. And for professional assistance and service, rely on the experienced master plumbers at Robillard.

Contact us to learn more and for all your plumbing service and product needs.

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Tips to Avoid Common Winter Plumbing Issues

Between an abundance of cooking, baking, and many days of hosting, the holiday season is the most inconvenient time to experience plumbing issues. But with a few tips and tricks, you can avoid them altogether. Continue reading our blog to steer clear of the most common winter plumbing issues.

Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal is one of the easiest repairs we do. However, if a leak is left for too long, this easy fix can lead to a much larger problem that requires a full disposal replacement. If you notice your garbage disposal leaking, it’s best to contact your local plumber immediately.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common calls we get around the holidays. This issue happens when the water backs up and solidifies, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Avoid frozen pipes by keeping your thermostat set at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. And, if you tend to turn the heat off in your cabin during wintertime to save money, you’ll need to rethink that. Heating your cabin may add an extra expense, but with the frigid temperatures and unexpected length of winter, a small crack in your pipe could quickly turn into a larger issue.

Clogged Kitchen Sink

Low temperatures and a busy kitchen create the perfect storm for a clogged drain. With an increase of grease and food remnants going down the sink, debris tends to get caught and solidify on the walls of the pipes. Avoid a backup by limiting the amount of food bits that wash down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. In addition, never pour grease down the drain. Instead, drain any oil or grease into a container and throw it in the garbage.

Damage to Exterior Plumbing

If you have outdoor water valves, sprinkler systems, or hoses that are not prepared for the winter weather, damage to any or all of these may come to light as the snow melts in spring. Avoid exterior plumbing issues by making sure everything is well-insulated. You can protect your exterior plumbing with pipe wraps or screens. They also create boxes that can cover larger, exposed plumbing.

The experienced plumbers at Robillard Plumbing have proudly served customers throughout the northwest Twin Cities area since 1986. We take pride in providing efficient, effective plumbing services with a focus on reliability and customer care. Should you have any issues with your plumbing, contact us to schedule an appointment with a trusted professional.

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