Spring is right around the corner and Warner Service is here to help you with your plumbing spring cleaning!
It's almost that time of year — is your house due for an annual deep clean? We know most people have vacuuming, dusting, and decluttering covered — but what about making sure your plumbing is clean and in working order? Though it may not be as top-of-mind as tidying your bedroom, taking the time to check and wash your household plumbing is important — and may even save you money in the long run. That's why we prepared some helpful spring cleaning tips for your plumbing:
KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
- Check all faucets for drips and leaks.
- Check that all drains have strainers to prevent clogging.
- Check toilets for hidden leaks. Add food coloring to the tank — if the color appears in the bowl, that means you have a leak.
- Make sure your toilet(s) flush properly. If you need to hold or jiggle the handle, then it’s time to replace parts. Call a master plumber to help!
- Mineral deposits build up around the shower head, so clean every few months. Soak the shower head in vinegar overnight then scrub it with an old toothbrush to clean.
- Exercise the water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking.
APPLIANCES
- Check the temperature on your water heater. It should be no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
- Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion that causes sediment build-up. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide or website for specific instructions.
- If your water heater is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it since newer models are more energy efficient. (The first four digits of the serial number represent the month and year.)
- Remove any flammables that are stored near the water heater or furnace.
- Check supply hoses on the dishwasher, washing machine, and ice-maker for bulges and leaks. Replace any hoses showing signs of weakness or that are older than 10 years. Use stainless steel hoses whenever possible since they are less prone to bursting.
- Clean out the washing machine lint trap and place a wire trap over the end of the hose that drains the washer.
GENERAL
- Flush out all infrequently used drains. Pour a gallon of water into each drain to prevent odors from entering your home. If any drains are slow, they should be snaked to ensure there are no clogs.
- Check all exposed pipes for any leaks.
- Ensure your sump pump is working properly. Pour water into the sump pit. If the pump is working correctly, it should turn on quickly, remove the water, and shut off without any problems.
- Inspect for slow leaks. Take a reading on your water meter before bed, then take another reading the next morning. If no water is used and the reading has changed, you have a leak that needs to be repaired.
- Install a backflow valve in the floor drain if you’ve had sewage back up into your home. The valve will prevent future backups.
- Install flood alarms. These alarms alert you when they come in contact with water, which means there is a potential flood or leak.
OUTSIDE
- Clean out all yard drains, gutters, and downspouts.
- Check for blockages in plumbing vent pipes such as birds nests.
- Check your outdoor faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If there is dripping or leaking, a pipe may have frozen and cracked and needs to be replaced.
Plumbing maintenance is important, and ensuring everything is clean and working properly can help save you from future plumbing emergencies. Make sure you follow our spring cleaning plumbing tips as you pick up around the house this season.
If you have questions about any of these spring cleaning tips, or if you would like to schedule a service, please contact us today!
