(BPT) - As the world starts to wake up after a cold winter, it's the perfect time to perform routine home maintenance tasks. Simple spring to-dos are the easiest way to find and fix existing problems before they turn into a massive headache.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing^®, a Neighborly^® company, knows how important spring maintenance is to prolong the life and value of your home. Doing these four home plumbing maintenance tasks this spring can help keep your home in tip-top shape this season and beyond.

1. Perform a visual plumbing fixtures check

A visual plumbing check is a quick and easy way to keep your home's plumbing system in top shape. No matter the age of your home, regular plumbing checks can help prevent unexpected issues. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends checking the bathroom, kitchen and outdoor faucets for drips to ensure sinks and bathtubs drain properly, ensuring sinks and bathtubs drain properly.

Check under the sinks for leaks. Operate and check the emergency shut-off valves under the sinks, toilets and at the washer connection to ensure they are working properly. These are your first line of defense in the event of an emergency fixture problem. Be sure to examine the base of toilets for water damage and confirm that toilets flush smoothly without strange noises.

2. Have the water heater flushed

Regular water heater maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Over time, sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends having your water heater professionally serviced and flushed at least once a year to remove sediment and ensure optimal performance.

Checking for leaks, rust, or unusual noises can also help catch potential issues early. By keeping up with routine maintenance, homeowners can improve energy efficiency, maintain consistent hot water, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

3. Take a look at your pipes

Fluctuating temperatures cause pipes to shrink and expand, which may cause cracks and leaks. Left unchecked, you could be risking a burst pipe that could flood your home. As the warmer weather sets in, check exposed pipes in basements and under cabinets for rust, cracks, or leaks.

After a visual review, check for hidden leaks. You can easily do this by turning off all the taps and appliances that use water and then checking your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you may be dealing with a leak.

If you find any problems, don't wait. Hire a professional to fix any issues, big or small, so you can avoid bigger problems down the road.

4. Address clogged drains

Have you noticed that the water drains slower than usual after a shower or bath? This may be a sign that your drains are clogged.

If simple fixes, like removing hair from the shower drain, don't work, you may be dealing with something more serious, like tree root intrusion.

As trees and plants awaken in the spring, their roots become more active, and that can spell trouble for underground pipes. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making small cracks or joints in sewer lines the perfect entry point. Left unchecked, these roots can cause major clogs, pipe damage, or even a full collapse, leading to costly repairs.

If you suspect a tree root intrusion, calling a professional plumber for a sewer camera inspection can help catch problems early and prevent bigger headaches down the line. To learn about tree root intrusion and find a professional to take care of the problem, visit MrRooter.com/RootDamage.

Don't wait

If you identify any problems when performing spring maintenance tasks, don't wait. Proactive maintenance and repairs around your home are the best ways to protect your investment and peace of mind. Call a professional like Mr. Rooter so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the warmer weather and sunnier days ahead.