Your Go-To Checklist for Outdoor Plumbing in Colorado Springs
Outdoor Faucets
The severe (and rapidly changing) temperatures here in the Springs take a tremendous toll on outdoor plumbing fixtures. Because of these dramatic temperature fluctuations, it’s not uncommon for outdoor faucets to freeze, burst, or warp after a cold front.
We recommend doing a routine check on your outdoor faucets after a snowstorm or extremely low temperatures to check for cracks and deterioration.
Sprinkler Heads
Water waste stems from a number of plumbing issues, but one of the most common is leaking pipes and fixtures. Damaged or dripping faucets are easy to spot, but leaking sprinkler heads can be more difficult to pinpoint.
Because malfunctioning sprinklers can increase water bills (and force grass to die from overwatering), it’s best to check your sprinkler system for leaks and damage regularly.
Septic Systems
The west-side of The Springs is notorious for septic system issues. Many of the homes in Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City were built between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, with the plumbing systems to prove it.
During this time period, brittle sewage pipes were installed religiously. Over the decades, these wastewater pipes have become prone to damage from tree roots and pinhole leaks.
If a septic system becomes damaged or breached from lack of maintenance, replacement can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. To avoid severe septic issues anywhere in Colorado Springs, Fountain, or Monument, we recommend having your septic tank inspected annually by a Colorado Springs plumbing contractor.
Exposed Pipes
Most outdoor exposed pipes are used to supply water to a home and are under constant, high water pressure. Because exposed pipes have no protection from the ever-changing Colorado elements, they are a serious risk to the health of your plumbing system.
The typical lifespan of exposed pipes is generally 70-80 years, however, the cold winter climate in the Front Range has the potential to reduce that lifespan dramatically.
Sump Pumps
When you think of your plumbing system, do you think of your sump pump?
Probably not - but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t!
Many areas of Colorado Springs (like the east side of Powers) experience heavy rains that cause severe flooding. If rainwater isn’t redirected, erosion (and rot) can quickly lead to foundational deterioration, among other problems.
Because your sump pump is the key factor to keeping water away from your home’s foundation, it’s crucial to include it on your plumbing maintenance checklist.
Your plumbing system is so much more than your indoor drains, sinks, and faucets. Without a well-maintained outdoor plumbing system, the indoor portion of your pipes and drains will begin to malfunction. Whether you live in a historic home on the West Side of town or in a new development like Flying Horse, caring for your outdoor plumbing system is key to living happily in your home for many years to come. Contact a plumbing contractor in Colorado Springs to find out more about caring for your outdoor plumbing.