As the last traces of winter fade and temperatures begin to rise across rural Illinois, it’s the perfect time to give your home’s water system a little TLC. Spring maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, and ensure your system is ready for the busy months ahead.
At EJ Water, we’re here to help our members keep their water flowing smoothly all year long. Here are our top spring maintenance tips to get your system in shape.
Check Your Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
After months of freezing temperatures, outdoor faucets are one of the first things to check when spring arrives. Turn on each outdoor spigot and look for leaks, drips, or reduced water pressure. If you notice water leaking from behind the faucet handle or inside your home near the pipe, you may have a frozen and cracked pipe that needs repair.
Pro tip: Before you hook up your garden hose for the season, make sure the faucet is in good working order. A small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
Inspect Your Irrigation System
If you have a lawn sprinkler or irrigation system, now is the time to inspect it before you turn it on for the first time. Walk through your property and look for:
- Broken or damaged sprinkler heads
- Clogged nozzles
- Leaking connections or pipes
- Areas where the ground has shifted or settled
Turn on each zone individually and watch for any unusual water flow or pooling. Making repairs now will help you avoid water waste and high bills during the summer watering season.
Look for Hidden Leaks
Spring is an excellent time to check for leaks throughout your home. Even small leaks can add up to significant water waste and higher bills. Here’s how to check:
- Read your water meter before bedtime when no water is being used
- Check it again first thing in the morning (without using any water overnight)
- If the meter has moved, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system
Common culprits include toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking water heaters. A running toilet alone can waste up to 200 gallons per day.
Test Your Sump Pump
Spring rains and snowmelt can mean extra work for your sump pump. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on automatically, quickly remove the water, and then shut off. If it doesn’t activate or seems to struggle, consider having it serviced or replaced before the heavy rains arrive.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
While not directly part of your water system, clean gutters and downspouts protect your home’s foundation and prevent water from pooling near your house. This is especially important in rural areas where drainage systems may be more limited. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5-10 feet away from your foundation.
Know Your Meter Location
Take a few minutes to locate your water meter and ensure it’s accessible. Knowing where your meter is located can help you shut off water quickly in an emergency and makes it easier for our team to read your meter or respond to service calls.
Check for Discolored Water
If you notice rusty, brown, or discolored water when you first turn on outdoor faucets in spring, don’t panic. This is often caused by sediment that has settled in pipes during periods of low use. Let the water run for a few minutes until it clears. If discoloration persists or occurs with your indoor faucets, contact EJ Water so we can investigate.
Schedule a Water Heater Flush
Your water heater works hard all year long, and sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank over time. Spring is a great time to flush your water heater (or have a professional do it) to improve efficiency and extend its lifespan. This simple maintenance task can also help ensure you have plenty of hot water for spring cleaning projects.
When to Call EJ Water
While many spring maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, some situations require professional help. Contact us if you notice:
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Discolored water that doesn’t clear after running the tap
- Unusual sounds in your pipes (banging, whistling, or gurgling)
- A water meter that’s constantly running even when no water is being used
- Wet spots in your yard that could indicate a mainline leak
- Any concerns about your water quality or service
We’re Here to Help
Spring maintenance might seem like a long checklist, but taking a few hours now can save you from headaches (and costly repairs) down the road. At EJ Water, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable water to every member. That means we’re always here to answer questions, address concerns, and help you make the most of your water system.
If you have questions about your water service or need assistance with any spring maintenance tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at 217-925-5566 or visit ejwatercoop.com.
