Springtime has its own plumbing maintenance checks, just like the fall check list does too. By doing so, will help ensure ones plumbing will not require our assistance for an emergency plumbing repair. Most all of these plumbing routine maintenance responsibilities do not take very much time to perform also.
Homeowner Plumbing Maintenance Strategies
1. Look at outside and inside faucets for any leaks. Often times, property owners can fix these themselves. It is remarkable how much water can be saved merely by making certain water leaks and drips are not occurring.
2. Toilets are capable of having leaks also. Check at the tank and bowl to be certain there are no cracks. In addition, the flapper in the tank cannot be closing correctly and water will trickle out and continue to run. One can test out this by putting around six drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Check the bowl in 30 minutes to notice if any of the color is present. If that’s the case, there may be a water leak. Likewise ensure toilets flush properly without having to hold the handle down or giggle it.
Check out pipes under all sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to be certain there are no leaks. Place your hand on the floor underneath the drains as well, to make certain they are not moist.
It is a good idea to use strainers in shower and bath drains to catch hair and debris from entering ones plumbing drain, helping to stop a drain repair.
It is good to pour some water into floor drains and other drains that are generally not utilized often so the traps get full. It can help keep scents out of the home. If any of the drains are not draining swiftly, they might need a good expert drain cleaning.
Hot water heater tanks must not be set greater than 120 degrees. If the water heater temperature hasn’t been looked at lately, please do so. Sometimes if the tank is placed in a garage or basement where there may be activity close to the tank, it could easily get bumped by accident. If the temperature is greater than 120 degrees it may be too hot for the skin and trigger burns. It is wise to empty a couple of gallons of water out of the storage tank to get rid of unwanted particles that naturally builds up inside the storage tank. It will substantially maximize the efficiency and lifespan of the water heater as well.
Gutters and drain spouts need to be cleaned out from any remaining fall leaves and branches.
Outside faucets need to be run to be certain water flows correctly and there are no leaks around the faucet or hose bibs.
If one has a sprinkler system, turn it on to ensure the sprayers are generally working as they should.
If one has a sump pump, fill some water into the pit to be sure it runs correctly. Examine to make certain it stops running when it should too. With spring rains, it is excellent to ensure the sump pump is working before the rains come.