Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Spring is right around the corner and so is the annual spring cleaning and home renovation. This season is a great time for homeowners to check their home plumbing system. Keeping up with this basic maintenance can help keep your home functioning smoothly throughout the year and can help prevent costly damage in the future.
Why Worry About Plumbing Maintenance
Most people don’t worry about their plumbing until there is a problem, however, by then there is usually a large mess and a large bill. By checking out your plumbing system regularly you can catch these problems early before they escalate. Not only can a faulty plumbing system cause bigger issues later, but they can also waste your money in the meantime. According to this drip calculator, it only takes 4,000 drips to waste one liter of water. One drip per minute per day adds up to 34 gallons of water in a year! The best way to avoid problems and keep costs down is to make sure your home’s plumbing system is working properly. Below you will find a few tips to add to your spring cleaning list to keep your home running smoothly.
Indoor Plumbing Maintenance
Check your toilet for leaks (both the bowl and the tank).
Make sure your water heater is no higher than 120 degrees, check for rust, corrosion, and leaks.
Check your water supply hoses for leaks to appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine or ice maker.
Test out your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into it. It should immediately start, drain the water, and shut off.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
Check the various drains and pipes around your home and clear them from any debris.
Clean out your gutters and downspouts.
Check for birds nests in plumbing vent pipes.
Check exterior faucets to make sure no pipes are frozen and water is flowing properly.
Adding plumbing maintenance to your spring cleaning list will help you discover damages caused by the cold winter sooner and not later. If you do find something that you don’t feel comfortable fixing, please contact us!