Spring is here, and that means it’s time for standard spring plumbing maintenance. At Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our plumbing services include all the standard checks and bits of upkeep that are appropriate after a long winter season.
For the motivated and handy homeowner or business manager, there are several elements of spring plumbing maintenance you can actually do yourself. Some of these are preventive techniques that will heavily reduce your risk of needing emergency plumbing services down the line. Let’s take a look at some of the simplest areas.
Appliance Checks
These are items like your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine and any ice-makers or other water-related appliances in your home or office. The water heater is of particular importance – you want to check it for temperature, sediment, leaks and simple age. Make sure there are no major leaks in any of these other appliances, and check hoses for signs of weakness if they’re more than 10 years old.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Again, you’re checking for things like leaks and drips in faucets, sinks and toilets. One good way of checking the toilet for leaks is adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank – if the toilet is leaking, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes or so.
Also check all kitchen and bathroom hardware for cracks, and make sure supply valves under toilets and sinks aren’t sticking. Check toilet flushing capabilities to make sure water is being properly utilized, and if there are any, clean mineral deposits off your shower head using a vinegar soak.
Drains and Other
If you have any drains you don’t use often, pour a gallon of water down them during maintenance to prevent odors. Also check pipes under sinks and in lower areas of the house for leaks, and take a reading on your water meter – try taking one before bed one night, then checking again in the morning to confirm it’s the same. A different reading could signal leaks. For homes or businesses with frequent leaks, flood alarms are available.
Outdoors
Confirm all yard drains and gutters are clean and free for water to flow through before spring rains begin. Check all faucets and hose bibs to make sure water is flowing correctly, and ensure there were no freezing issues over the winter.
Want to learn more about spring plumbing maintenance, or about any of our plumbing services? Speak to the pros at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.