Whether you’re prepping for freezing temperatures or gearing up for summer storms and higher water usage, this guide will walk you through the essential seasonal maintenance tasks to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
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Preparing for Winter: Prevent Frozen Pipes and Heating Woes
Winter in Michigan can be especially hard on plumbing systems. The biggest threat is frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant water damage. Cold weather also puts extra pressure on water heaters and sump pumps. Preparing ahead of time is crucial.
Key winter maintenance tasks include:
Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages should be wrapped with foam insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing.
Disconnect outdoor hoses: Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze in the spigot, leading to pipe bursts inside the wall.
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets: If your home has a separate shut-off valve for exterior water lines, close it and drain any remaining water to avoid frozen lines.
Test the sump pump: Snowmelt and winter rain can flood basements. Make sure your sump pump is functional and ready.
Check the water heater: Cold water coming into the heater can strain the system. Consider flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup and make sure the temperature is set around 120°F for optimal performance.
These steps can help protect your pipes and appliances from the stress of winter’s extreme cold—and save you from costly emergency repairs.
Getting Ready for Spring: Post-Thaw Plumbing Check
As the ground thaws and temperatures rise, spring is a time to check for any damage that winter may have caused. It’s also an ideal season to address minor issues before the summer heat and increased water usage hit.
Spring plumbing tasks to consider:
Inspect for leaks: Check faucets, toilets, and exposed pipes for any drips or moisture that may have developed over the winter.
Test water pressure: A drop in pressure may indicate a hidden leak or pipe damage caused by freezing.
Clean sump pump and pit: Clear out debris and test the pump to ensure it’s working before spring showers arrive.
Check outdoor spigots: Turn on outside faucets and look for signs of leaking that may have resulted from freezing.
Flush the water heater: If not done in winter, spring is another good time to clear sediment from the tank.
Spring maintenance is about recovery and preparation. Addressing issues now ensures your system is strong going into the more demanding summer season.
Summer Plumbing Maintenance: Managing High Usage and Storms
Summer tends to bring more water usage—between yard work, gardening, filling pools, and guests visiting. It’s also a time of intense weather, including heavy thunderstorms that can cause flooding and power outages.
Summer checklist items include:
Check sewer lines: Tree roots seek water in summer and can invade old sewer lines. If drains are slowing down or gurgling, it’s time for a professional inspection.
Inspect sprinkler systems: Leaky or misaligned sprinklers can waste a lot of water. Make sure everything is working efficiently and not spraying the house or foundation.
Watch for basement moisture: Thunderstorms can stress your drainage system. Make sure your sump pump is ready and that downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Check washing machine hoses: These are often used more frequently in summer—inspect for bulges or cracks and ensure tight connections.
Be mindful of vacation prep: If you’re leaving town for more than a few days, turn off the main water supply and test your sump pump’s battery backup (if installed).
By being proactive in the summer, you can avoid mid-season surprises that turn into costly emergencies.
Fall Plumbing Prep: The Transition Season
Fall is your final chance to prep your plumbing before the deep freeze returns. It’s the ideal time for both inspections and upgrades, especially for homes with aging systems.
Essential fall tasks:
Clear gutters and downspouts: Clogs can lead to water pooling around the foundation, which may stress your sump pump or cause seepage into the basement.
Winterize outdoor plumbing: Drain irrigation systems and shut off outdoor water supplies.
Service your water heater: Colder incoming water and increased usage in winter make fall the perfect time for a tune-up or replacement.
Schedule a professional inspection: If your plumbing system hasn’t been looked at recently, a fall inspection can catch small issues before winter makes them worse.
Think of fall as your reset button—cleaning up from summer and getting ahead of what winter will bring.
Year-Round Benefits of Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance
Maintaining your plumbing system seasonally doesn’t just prevent disasters—it extends the life of your equipment, improves water efficiency, and lowers utility costs. It also helps homeowners plan ahead for replacements and upgrades, rather than rushing into decisions after an emergency.
Staying ahead of the seasons means fewer surprises and greater peace of mind.
Get Expert Help Year-Round from Premier Plumbing
Every season brings a new reason to give your plumbing some attention—and Premier Plumbing, Inc. is here to make it easy. Serving Southeast Michigan, our experienced team offers seasonal plumbing inspections, winterization services, sump pump checks, and more. We help you spot small problems before they become big ones—so your home stays dry, efficient, and protected all year long.
Contact Premier Plumbing today to schedule a seasonal service or inspection and keep your plumbing system prepared for whatever Michigan weather throws your way.