As spring finally settles, with the snow melting, birds chirping, and flowerbeds peeking back to life, many homeowners are already deep into garage cleanouts, yard prep, and other seasonal chores. While checking off your spring maintenance checklist for homes, don’t forget what’s hiding behind the walls and under the floors – your plumbing.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a practical spring plumbing checklist – from spotting a pipe leak to inspecting your water heater – so you can feel confident that your spring home is in good shape. Bookmark this one for when you’re ready to dive into your homeowner maintenance checklist!
Outside: Gutter Cleanup, Yard Drainage, and More
If you’re diving into your spring home maintenance checklist for 2025, the outside of your house is where you want to begin, especially if you live in a spot that gets hit hard by snow and ice.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts catch rainwater from the roof and direct it away from your foundation. However, the water can’t flow properly when leaves, twigs, or debris block this system. This can lead to:
- Overflow that soaks into the soil near your foundation
- Erosion in your landscaping or lawn
- Water seeping into your siding or insulation, possibly reaching your wiring
Make sure to check this off your spring plumbing maintenance checklist as early in the season as possible.
Look at Your Downspout Extensions
Take a few minutes to check your downspout extensions. They should push water at least 4 – 6 feet from your home.
Check the water flow (with a hose or after rain) and ensure the extension isn’t directed toward the house. Look for soil erosion or water stains near the exit.
If you see pooling water near your foundation or a damp basement, it may be time to call a plumber to check for a pipe leak.
Walk the Yard After a Rain
After a rain spell this spring, check your yard for the following:
- Standing water, especially near walkways or patios
- Debris in drain gates or French drains
- Unpleasant odors near grates, which could indicate stagnant water or a cracked pipe
If puddles persist for over a day or sinkholes appear, don’t ignore them. These signs mean your drainage system isn’t working correctly, which could lead to plumbing problems.
Inspect Your Irrigation System
Before watering your lawn this spring, check your sprinkler system first. Run each zone and look for:
- Heads popping up and spraying evenly
- Water pooling in any area
- Mist instead of a strong spray, which may indicate too much pressure
Basement
As snow begins to melt and springtime plumbing concerns rise with the rain, your basement could show signs of trouble: water pooling near walls, musty odors, or the appearance of mold.
If you also notice efflorescence – a white, powdery residue on foundation walls – it indicates water is seeping through the masonry. This moisture can harm insulation and cause ongoing dampness in your basement.
Examine your water heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter, and spring is the right time to make sure it’s still performing efficiently:
- Look for visible signs of wear, such as corrosion around valves or water pooling under the unit.
- Check the temperature setting. 120°F (49°C) is recommended for both safety and energy savings.
- If it’s a traditional model, flush the tank to clear sediment by connecting a hose to the drain valve and running water until it’s clear.
- Use a vinegar solution to descale buildup for tankless water heaters, especially if your area has hard water.
Test the sump pump
With heavy spring rain and melting snow, your sump pump must work efficiently this spring.
You can test it with these simple steps:
- Confirm it’s connected to power.
- Add water to the sump basin until the float activates the pump.’
- Observe whether it efficiently pumps the water and shuts off.
Any delay, noise, or failure could indicate it’s time for maintenance or replacement.
Inspect exposed piping for leaks
Check exposed pipes near exterior walls or unheated areas for leaks, rust, and condensation. Run water to inspect joints and connections, and feel for cold spots or dampness that may indicate hidden moisture.
This checkup might seem small, but can prevent major issues like mold, water damage, or burst pipes.
Bathroom
After a long winter, your bathroom’s plumbing has likely gone through some wear and tear. Freezing pipes, mineral buildup from hard water, and constant indoor use can all affect your bathroom plumbing.
Inspect Toilets for Leaks
Toilet leaks are often silent and easy to miss, but they can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily and quietly drive up your utility bills.
To check for a leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 10–15 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper valve is leaking.
Also, check the toilet’s base for soft flooring, which may indicate a leaking wax seal. Lastly, inspect the water supply line and shut-off valve for corrosion or slow drips.
Test the Flush
A sluggish toilet flush can indicate winter damage. Spring is the time to ensure your toilet flushes efficiently.
Watch out for these red flags when you check your toilet flush:
- A loose or stiff handle
- Weak or slow flush
- The tank not refilling properly
- Needing to flush more than once
If your toilet gurgles or causes other drains to bubble when you flush, that might mean a blockage deeper in the line.
Check Sink and Tub Drains for Slow Flow
As part of your spring plumbing maintenance, don’t overlook the drains. A slow draining sink or tub often indicates buildup in the pipes, which can include hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
Look for any of these signs when checking your sink and tub drains:
- Water pooling
- Gurgling sounds
- Musty odors near the drain (a sign of standing water and buildup)
If you notice any of these, try the following steps:
- Remove visible debris by hand or with a plastic drain snake
- Pour a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and hot (not boiling) water into the drain
- For tougher clogs, consider using an enzymatic cleaner (avoid harsh chemical cleaners)
Whole House
Don’t forget to walk through your entire home plumbing this spring. These general inspections might seem small, but they help prevent plumbing problems that catch you off guard.
Check your home’s water pressure
Excessive water pressure can damage fixtures, your HVAC’s humidifier, and stress water pipes. To check it, buy a water pressure gauge, attach it to your outdoor spigot, and run the water. Ideal pressure is between 40 and 60 PSI.
If your pressure exceeds 60 PSI, check for a pressure-reducing valve at your main water line entry. Contact a licensed plumber or HVAC technician if you’re unsure about adjusting it.
Use your ears and listen for trouble
As odd as it sounds, your plumbing system “talks.” During springtime plumbing checks, take note of these strange sounds you may encounter:
- Gurgling from the drains = possible blockages or venting issues.
- Clanking or banging when water turns off = pressure surges, often called “water hammer”
- Hissing or water sounds with no tap on = possibly a leaking toilet or a hidden pipe leak
Keep an eye on your water bill
If your water use stays the same but your bill increases, you may have a hidden leak. This could be a toilet that won’t stop running, a broken underground pipe, or a leaking water heater.
Not every leak is visible, but the bill is where clues often appear first.
What to Do Next?
If you notice a leak or hear unusual sounds during your spring plumbing check, stay calm. Catching them early is half the battle.
Whether it’s a musty smell under the sink or a dripping noise behind a wall, here’s what to do next:
1. Document the issue
Take clear pictures or a short video of the leak. Note any recent changes, like an increased water bill or banging sounds in the pipes, as this helps the plumber diagnose the issue.
2. Avoid doing DIY repairs unless it’s truly minor.
It’s best to avoid DIY plumbing repairs unless it’s simple, like tightening a faucet or unclogging a minor drain. Improper fixes can worsen issues, especially with pipe fittings or soldering. If there’s an active leak, shut off the water first.
3. Call a professional plumber
Call your trusted plumbing services in your area and share the photos, videos, and notes you’ve taken. A licensed plumber can diagnose the issue and provide options for repair.
However, spring is a busy season for plumbing repairs and cleaning. Call your plumber early if you suspect anything unusual.
If something on your list looks concerning, or you just want a second opinion, we’re here to help. Our team at Jovel has been working with homeowners across Greater Boston, New England, and surrounding areas for years. Call us anytime at (978) 593-3220 or schedule an appointment online – we’re always happy to lend a hand.