Spring Plumbing Checklist for BC Homeowners

BC winters are mild compared to much of Canada, but the months of heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles at higher elevations, and reduced system use still take a toll on your plumbing and mechanical systems. Spring is the right time to do a walk-through before warmer weather and increased water demand reveal problems.

• Inspect your hose bibs (outdoor taps) for signs of cracking or weeping. If they froze at any point, the interior valve body may have split.
• Clear leaves and debris from all exterior drain grates — downspout drains, area drains, and window well drains. Blocked drains cause basement flooding during spring rain events.
• Check your sump pit, if you have one, by pouring water into it to confirm the pump activates. Test the discharge line to ensure it drains away from the foundation.
• Walk your property after a rain to identify any pooling near the foundation. Standing water is a drainage design problem that worsens every season.

• Check under all sinks for drips, rust staining, or moisture in the cabinet — signs of a slow leak.
• Test every shut-off valve by turning it once. Valves that haven't moved in years can seize or leak at the packing nut when operated.
• Flush toilets and watch for wobbling, running after the flush cycle, or water at the base — all are repairable issues easier caught early.
• Run every fixture in the home and confirm water flows with adequate pressure and drains without gurgling or slow movement.

• Drain a cup of water from the water heater drain valve and check for sediment. Cloudy or rust-coloured water suggests the tank needs flushing or is nearing end of life.
• If you have a boiler system, bleed the radiators to release any trapped air that accumulated over the heating season.
• Replace furnace or air handler filters before switching the system into cooling mode.
• Schedule annual servicing for your gas furnace or boiler — spring is a quieter time and easier to book than fall when demand spikes.