It’s finally time to fire up the grill, clean off the patio furniture, and enjoy the outdoors. But before you send out those BBQ invites, take a moment to make sure your outdoor plumbing is ready for the season.
From leaky hose bibs to clogged yard drains, winter weather can do a number on your plumbing. And the last thing you want is a plumbing problem turning your backyard into a soggy mess.
At Fix & Flow Plumbing, we help homeowners get their outdoor spaces summer-ready. Here’s what to check before you start entertaining.
Test Your Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Your hose bibs (or outdoor faucets) are one of the first places to check after winter. Cold temps can cause the pipe inside the wall to crack, especially if it wasn’t properly drained. When you turn it on, watch for:
- Drips or spraying at the spout
- Water leaking behind the wall (this could indicate a burst pipe)
- Low water pressure
If you notice any of these, you may need a pipe repair or hose bib replacement. A quick fix now can prevent damage to your siding, foundation, and interior walls later.
Prep Your Sprinkler System for the Season
Sprinklers are a must for keeping your lawn and landscaping alive during Atlanta’s hot summer months. Before you set the timers, make sure your system is ready:
- Turn the system on one zone at a time
- Look for broken or titled sprinkler heads
- Check for soggy spots that may indicate an underground leak
- Clear any clogged nozzles or filters
Even small leaks in a sprinkler line can waste hundreds of gallons of water. If you’re unsure how to check the system or notice a spike in your water bill, our team can help with drain line repair and replacement.
Inspect Outdoor Kitchens and Gas Lines
If you’ve got a built-in grill, outdoor sink, or natural gas line, spring is the best time to test everything before your first big cookout. Here’s what we tell our neighbors to look for:
- Gas lines: Check for hissing sounds, the smell of gas, or corrosion on connectors.
- Sinks: Make sure there’s proper drainage and no leaks under the countertop.
- Shut-off valves: Test them to make sure they open and close properly.
Gas leaks are a major safety risk—don’t take any chances. If you think you may have an issue, our team is licensed to handle gas line inspections, repairs, and replacements.
Planning an upgrade? We can also help install or reroute gas lines for new grills or appliances.
Don’t Forget About Drainage
All that outdoor activity can bring water runoff, muddy walkways, and clogged yard drains. If you notice standing water around patios, driveways, or your home’s foundation, you might need to:
- Inspect yard drains and catch basins
- Check grading and ensure water flows away from the home
- Install or repair a French drain or trench system
Proper drainage protects your foundation and plumbing. If you’ve dealt with yard flooding in the past, we recommend pairing this inspection with your Spring Plumbing Checkup.
Let’s Get Your Backyard Summer-Ready
Outdoor plumbing problems have a way of showing up at the worst time, like right before guests arrive or in the middle of a heat wave. But with a quick inspection and a few smart fixes, you can avoid the mess and get back to enjoying your space.
Book your outdoor plumbing inspection today and make sure everything’s flowing smoothly before your first big cookout. Let’s get your yard ready for a season full of grilling, relaxing, and great times outdoors.