TL;DR: May's the right month to knock out five plumbing maintenance jobs that prevent expensive repairs later. Flush the water heater, test the sump pump, check washing machine hoses, look behind your outdoor spigots for hidden winter damage, and clean your faucet aerators. Do them now; they cost nothing. Skip...
Water Heater Noises: Popping, Rumbling, Hissing
TL;DR: Most water heater noises come down to one of three things: sediment buildup, pressure trouble, or a part that's failing. Popping and rumbling usually mean it's time for a flush, and you can handle that yourself. Hissing near the pressure relief valve is the one sound that means stop...
How Often to Test a Sump Pump? A 5-Minute Check
TL;DR Test your sump pump every three months, with an extra check before fall. It takes five minutes and a bucket of water. That's the best free basement insurance you can set up. Key Takeaways Quarterly testing is the minimum, with monthly checks during the wet season The Pacific Northwest...
5 Signs of Winter Pipe Damage to Check This Spring
Winter pipe damage is not always dramatic. It does not always look like a burst pipe or water pouring through the ceiling. A lot of the time, the first signs are smaller: a dripping outdoor tap, weaker water pressure, a musty smell, new pipe sounds, or a water bill that...
How to Start Your Sprinkler System in Spring [DIY]
How to Wake Up Your Sprinkler System Without Wrecking It TL;DR Spring startup isn't just turning a valve. Do it wrong and you'll blow a head, crack a line, or flood a zone before the season even starts. This guide walks you through the right sequence so you can get...
Why Flush Your Hot Water Tank Every Spring?
Sediment Buildup 101: How to Do It Yourself TL;DR: There's a good chance you've never done anything to your hot water tank — and that's okay, most people haven't. But mineral sediment builds up inside it every year, making it work harder than it needs to and quietly shortening its...
5 Spring Plumbing Mistakes BC Homeowners Make
Most Surrey Homeowners Make At Least One of These TL;DR: Spring on the West Coast is rough on plumbing — and most homeowners don't find out until something's already gone wrong. Here are the five things we see every single April, why they happen, and what you can do about...
Winter Pipe Damage: Stop Hidden Leaks [7 Checks]
Finding Slow Leaks Before Spring Arrives TL;DR Summary Here's a quick summary of what to look out for. Once the spring thaw hits, we usually find winter pipe damage hiding in crawlspaces, unheated garages, and exterior walls. Catching these slow leaks early saves you from major repair bills and keeps...
Hose Bib Checks: Spring Guide [4 Steps]
Protecting Your Home from Spring Leaks Summary: March means transitioning from freezing nights to rainy spring days. We want to help you check your outdoor hose bibs for hidden winter damage. Finding a split pipe now prevents a flooded basement later. We often see unexpected freezing happen when sudden cold...
5 DIY Plumbing Checks to Make This March
How to Catch Winter Damage Before Spring Rain Hits March in Surrey means the freeze-thaw cycle is winding down and spring rain is picking up. That's when hidden winter plumbing problems finally show themselves. The good news? You can catch most of them with five simple DIY plumbing checks, about...