When the ground finally thaws in Michigan, most of us are thinking about gardens and patios, not pipes. However, your outdoor plumbing has been through a long winter, and it’s important to make sure everything is still watertight before you start heavy watering.
Checking Your Hose Bibs
The most common issue after a cold winter is a cracked outdoor faucet—or hose bib. Even if you disconnected your hoses last fall, small amounts of trapped water can freeze and expand, causing internal damage that isn’t always obvious.
To test your hose bibs:
- Inspect the exterior: Look for any visible cracks or dripping around the handle or spout.
- The “Thumb Test”: Turn the water on and place your thumb over the opening. If you can easily stop the flow of water, there’s likely a leak inside the pipe leading to the faucet.
- Check the basement: While the water is running, have someone look inside the house where the pipe enters the wall to ensure no water is spraying indoors.
Inspecting Your Sprinkler System
Before you set your timers for the season, take a walk around the yard while the zones are running. You’re looking for more than just a wet lawn.
- Look for “Geysers”: A broken sprinkler head can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a single cycle.
- Check for Soggy Spots: If one area of your lawn is consistently muddy but the heads aren’t reaching it, you might have a leak in an underground line.
- Clear the Obstructions: Over the winter, dirt or grass may have grown over the heads. A quick clearing ensures the spray pattern stays efficient.
When to Call in a Boelcke Pro
Most outdoor plumbing prep is a simple DIY task. However, if you find a leak behind a wall or a split underground pipe, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later. A quick professional fix can prevent an exorbitant water bill or potential foundation issues down the road.
Concerned that your outdoor plumbing might not be ready for the summer season? Boelcke is here to help. Just give us a call and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you.
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