Most often, people don’t think about their plumbing until something goes wrong (usually at a terrible time). Did you know there are things you can do to avoid some problems? All year long, there are opportunities for keeping your pipes flowing in Pennsylvania.

Seasonal Plumbing Insights 

Your home has a LOT of plumbing. Let’s take a look season by season. 

Spring

When you just do a cursory exam of your house, nothing may seem amiss. Don’t feel bad if you discover problems. Most people don’t have a plumber’s eye to see the signs of seasonal plumbing problems immediately.

Once warm weather arrives, look at your basement. If there are any noticeable leaks, give Barner Murphy a call for help. Problems in this area can escalate rapidly. This is an ideal time to inspect your water heater and sump pump, as either one may be the culprit causing water damage. 

Next, look at your water valves. Anything dripping? Replace the washers. Also, check the toilets to see if they flush correctly. 

From here, move outside. Make sure your gutters are clean and the downspouts are positioned correctly. Winter ice can move things around. Turn on the outdoor spouts and check the sprinkler system. If you left out your hose, it may need to be replaced. 

Summer

Summer usually puts a whole new strain on your plumbing system. Most people use far more water at this time of year. That means a good checkup is in order.

Just as with spring, take a survey of your pipes, faucets, and fixtures. As you go, look up and around, watching for any water stains, bubbling, or warped wood. Additionally, have you reviewed your water bill closely lately? If there’s an unexplained increase, that is often a tell-tale sign of a hidden leak. 

If you’re working toward a green home, this is the ideal time to put a timer on any outdoor irrigation systems. Water the lawn and plants first thing in the morning. This minimizes how much water evaporates, so you’re using it efficiently. 

Summer is an ideal time to flush your water heater. This improves efficiency by cleaning out sediments. Look for rusting, too. If you're unsure about how to flush your tank, contact the professionals at Barner Murphy. We are dedicated to keeping pipes flowing in Pennsylvania, one season at a time. 

When you know you’re getting guests, watch what goes down the toilet and drains. Grease is a significant issue, as is the use of paper towels as wipes. Keep drain strainers in place.

No matter what, when you encounter issues that leave you scratching your head, call an experienced plumber like Barner Murphy. It’s our job to provide superior service and customer satisfaction. The sooner you have mysteries checked, the better. 

Fall & Winter

Much of Fall plumbing care mirrors spring, with the additional focus on upcoming weather changes. Autumn gives you time to protect pipes throughout the house so they don’t freeze up. Those freezes can be incredibly costly because by the time you find them, a great deal of damage could already be present.

Among our seasonal plumbing insights is work on insulation. Inside your home, look at areas like your exterior walls, attic, and basement. You will be amazed at how many pipes are exposed. Those pipes need protection, as do any pipes adjacent to installed cabinetry. 

Calling Barner Murphy

When it comes to keeping pipes flowing in Pennsylvania, Barner Murphy is your one-stop shop. When we report on inspections, we ensure that we clarify any information to address your lingering questions. Our seasoned professionals can help you with any seasonal plumbing issues that may arise, and all work is guaranteed. 

If you’d like to contact us, you can use our online contact form or call our office at 215-945-8560. We can even arrange regular inspections to ensure you always know the condition of your plumbing.