Your home's plumbing works hard year-round, and like any hardworking system, it needs a little attention each season to keep running smoothly. The good news? A few simple checks can prevent costly repairs down the road. The even better news? When something's beyond a quick fix, Capital Plumbing Inc. is just one call away.
Spring: Check for Winter's Hidden Damage
Winter can be brutal on pipes, and spring is the perfect time to assess what the cold left behind.
What to do:
- Inspect exposed pipes for cracks or leaks. Pipes that froze and thawed can develop hairline fractures that slowly worsen. Check under sinks, in the basement, and in the garage.
- Test your sump pump. With spring rains on the way, pour a bucket of water into the pit to confirm it activates and drains properly.
- Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Turn them on and look for drips, reduced flow, or water seeping through the wall, all signs of freeze damage inside.
- Flush your water heater. Sediment builds up over the winter. Draining a few gallons from the tank improves efficiency and extends its life.
When to call us: If you find cracked pipes, a sump pump that won't engage, or water stains on walls near outdoor faucets, don't wait. What looks minor can become a major water damage claim fast.
Summer: Protect Against Peak Usage
Summer means more showers, more laundry, more dishes, and more strain on your plumbing.
What to do:
- Check for slow drains throughout the house. Slow drains are early signs of a clog forming. Address them now before a full backup at the worst possible time.
- Inspect washing machine hoses. Look for bulging, cracking, or brittleness. These hoses are a leading cause of home water damage and should be replaced every 3–5 years.
- Test water pressure. High water pressure (above 80 psi) stresses every joint, valve, and appliance in your home. A pressure gauge costs a few dollars at any hardware store.
- Keep an eye on your water bill. A sudden spike with no change in habits often signals a hidden leak, behind a wall, under the slab, or in an irrigation line.
When to call us: Unexplained spikes in your water bill, persistent slow drains that don't clear with a plunger, or washing machine hose replacements are all worth a professional visit.
Fall: Get Ready Before the Cold Sets In
Fall is your best window to prevent the most expensive plumbing emergency homeowners face: frozen and burst pipes.
What to do:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses. A hose left connected can cause water to back up and freeze inside the wall, even with a frost-free spigot installed.
- Locate and test your main water shut-off valve. In an emergency, you need to know exactly where it is and that it turns. If it's stuck or leaking, get it serviced now.
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install in crawl spaces, garages, and attics. It's one of the best returns on investment in home maintenance.
- Schedule a water heater inspection. Your water heater works hardest in winter. Fall is the right time to check the anode rod, test the pressure relief valve, and address any efficiency issues.
When to call us: If your main shut-off valve is stuck, corroded, or leaking, or if you're unsure whether your home's pipes are properly insulated, give us a call before the first freeze. Fixing it in October costs far less than a burst pipe in January.
Winter: Stay Vigilant on the Coldest Days
Even the best-prepared home can run into trouble during extreme cold snaps.
What to do:
- Know the warning signs of a frozen pipe. Reduced or no water flow from a faucet during a cold spell is your first clue. Act quickly, a frozen pipe is still repairable; a burst one is a much bigger problem.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls. Letting warm air circulate around pipes can prevent freezing during especially cold nights.
- Never leave your home without someone checking on it. Even a few days with the heat off can be enough for pipes in unheated areas to freeze and burst.
- Know where your shut-off valve is. If a pipe does burst, immediate shutoff is the difference between a manageable repair and a flooded basement.
When to call us: If you suspect a frozen pipe, call immediately, before you try to thaw it yourself. Improper thawing is a leading cause of burst pipes and house fires.
Don't Wait for a Problem to Get Our Number
The best time to call a plumber isn't when water is coming through the ceiling, it's during routine maintenance, when small issues are still small. At Capital Plumbing Inc., we serve the entire North Texas Area with fast response times, honest assessments, and guaranteed workmanship.
📞 Call us today: 940-440-1100
Whether it's a seasonal checkup or an emergency repair, we're here when you need us.
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