From nor'easters to April showers, spring traditionally brings wet weather. After the last snowfall clears, homeowners should take some measures to protect their house from flooding. Some preventative maintenance might just save you from making an emergency phone call to your local Plymouth Meeting plumbing company. By performing some yard work, checking their sump pumps and plumbing systems for signs of damage, and making an appointment with a professional plumber, homeowners can prevent a tremendous amount of property damage.

Check Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is your most important line of defense against floods. Run some tests to ensure that it still functions correctly. You can easily test its effectiveness by pouring a couple of buckets of water into the sump pit and observing what happens. Your pump should turn on, run for a few minutes, and turn back off. If it behaves oddly, reach out to a plumber as soon as possible for a replacement.

Clean Your Gutters

Now that temperatures have risen, you can get some yard work done. Clearing twigs, leaves, and other debris from your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains is essential for preventing floods. These tasks require a bit of elbow grease but are well worth the time.

Inspect Your System

Check outside faucets or exposed pipes for signs of winter damage. Cracks, moss, or mildew likely indicates a leak. You can also test for slow leaks by taking a reading of your water meter before you go to bed. The following morning — before you use any water — take another reading and compare to see if it has changed. If you address such issues early, you could prevent more serious problems later on.

Call a Plumber

Even if you don't have any visible plumbing issues, a professional may be able to spot something you missed. They can also conduct maintenance that will help extend the life of your plumbing system and decrease the risk of issues coming up later on. During this time of the year, you may also want to consider updating your water heater — a professional can recommend an optimal unit for your household.

To find more plumbing tips or to learn more about our company, visit our website. If you're ready to schedule an appointment with a plumbing company in Bala Cynwyd or elsewhere throughout Bucks County, call us at (215) 515-0918 today.