Welcome Back — But Check Your Plumbing First
Every fall, Bradenton welcomes back thousands of seasonal residents who have spent the summer up north. If you are one of our snowbirds, welcome back to Manatee County. Before you settle in for the winter, there are a few plumbing items you should check right away. A home that has been sitting empty for months can develop problems you will not notice until they become expensive emergencies.
Your Arrival Checklist
Start by turning on your water supply slowly. If you shut off the main valve before you left — and you should have — open it gradually and walk through the house checking for leaks. Pay special attention to under sinks, behind toilets, and around the water heater. Pipes and fittings can develop slow leaks over the summer from thermal expansion and contraction, and in our humid Bradenton climate, even a small drip can lead to significant mold growth.
Flush every toilet and run every faucet for a few minutes. Drain traps — the U-shaped pipes under sinks and in floor drains — can dry out over several months, especially in Florida's heat. A dry trap lets sewer gas into your home, which is that rotten egg smell you might notice when you first walk in. Running water through each fixture refills the traps and eliminates the odor.
- Open the main water valve slowly and check for leaks throughout the house
- Flush all toilets and run all faucets for several minutes
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for moisture or mold
- Inspect the water heater — look for rust, leaks, or a tripped breaker
- Test the garbage disposal
- Check the water softener salt level if you have one
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine through an empty cycle
Related: tracking down sewer gas smells in your home, water heater repair in Bradenton
Common Snowbird Plumbing Problems
The most common issue we see when snowbirds return is water heater trouble. A water heater that sits idle for months — especially in a hot Florida garage — works harder when it fires back up, and that is when weakened components tend to fail. If your unit is over 8 years old, it is worth having a plumber check it before you rely on it for the season.
We also see a lot of toilet seal failures. The wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor can dry out and crack during months of disuse, leading to leaks around the base. If you notice water on the floor around your toilet, the wax ring likely needs replacing.
Need a Plumbing Checkup?
If you would rather have a professional make sure everything is in order, Rosco Plumbing offers seasonal plumbing inspections for returning residents. We will check your whole system, flush the water heater, and make sure everything is ready for the season. Call us at (941) 345-2464 — we are happy to help you get settled in.
Related: professional plumbing maintenance
Coming back to your Bradenton home after a summer away is exciting, but take 30 minutes to check your plumbing before you unpack. A quick inspection can catch problems while they are still small. And if you need a hand, Rosco Plumbing is just a phone call away.