As the cold fades and gardens wake up to spring, winter damage can linger. Often-overlooked issues like hidden leaks, outdoor tap damage and sluggish drains can impact heavier summer water usage ahead.
Taskforce Heating & Plumbing, based in Emsworth for over 25 years, has put together a simple spring plumbing checklist to help homeowners catch problems early.
Spring Plumbing Checklist:
1. Check for hidden leaks – Look under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances.
2. Inspect outdoor taps for freeze damage or corrosion from winter.
3. Test drains – Slow or gurgling drains can indicate blockages or trapped debris.
4. Examine radiators and heating for cold spots or air buildup after winter.
5. Clean gutters and drains to prevent overflow and blockages from spring rains.
6. Inspect exposed pipes for corrosion, cracks or damp patches.
“Winter is tough on plumbing systems,” says Matthew Bowns, senior engineer at Taskforce. “Even if everything seems fine, older pipes or outdoor taps can suffer damage you don’t notice until summer. Our checklist helps to prevent problems before they start.”