Spring Plumbing Startup: What to Check After a Michigan Winter

Every spring, we get a wave of calls from homeowners who discover that something froze over the winter and they're just now finding out. A cracked hose bib, a split irrigation line, a failed pressure regulator — winter damage often doesn't show up until you turn the water back on.

Here's the spring startup checklist we recommend for every Metro Detroit home. Start with the exterior hose bibs. Turn them on slowly and check for drips at the valve body, not just at the spout. A frost-free sillcock that froze will often leak from the stem — a sign the internal cartridge cracked.

Next, check the irrigation system. Turn on each zone individually and walk the system. Look for broken heads, split lateral lines, and heads that aren't rotating or retracting properly. A single broken head can waste hundreds of gallons per day.

Check the pressure regulator. If your water pressure seems higher than usual in the spring, the PRV may have been affected by the freeze-thaw cycle. Pressure above 80 PSI is hard on fixtures and appliances.

Check the water heater. After a winter of heavy use, it's worth flushing the sediment from the bottom of the tank. Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and accelerates corrosion. A 15-minute flush can extend the heater's life by years.

If you find anything that needs attention, call Plumb-O-Matic at 313-427-4780. We offer spring plumbing inspections across all 7 Metro Detroit locations.