Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Spring is a new season, and each new season can bring a host of new plumbing problems. With the sudden change in weather and temperature, plumbing problems can arise, especially after a long winter. Be sure to defend your home against plumbing problems by implementing the following tips for maintenance.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
Be sure to do a thorough sweep of your yard to determine where maintenance is needed. If your home has yard drains or gutters, take the time to thoroughly clean these. They should be free of debris that may have collected during the fall and winter months. It’s not uncommon for people to find a build up of dead leaves in gutters, so be sure to clean these out. Outdoor faucets and hose connections should also be checked for leaks.
General Plumbing Maintenance
Appliances should also be checked for any needed repairs in the spring months. When was the last time you looked at the temperature of your water heater? Be sure that it maintains a comfortable limit of 120 F, as any higher can cause burns and uncomfortable water temperatures. If you’ve owned your current water heater for more than 15 years, it may be a good idea to begin looking for a replacement. You may be wondering, “How do I know how old my heater is?” If you take a look at the serial number, the first four numbers should tell you the month and year your water heater was originally made.
This tip is especially important for homeowners that live in areas susceptible to flooding. Make sure to install a flood alarm. This alarm works similar to a fire alarm, however, it sounds a warning when it comes into contact with water. This is a good asset to warn your household of a flood, but it may also help if you’ve suddenly sprung a leak.
Kitchen Plumbing Maintenance
In the kitchen, there are many steps we can all take to prevent plumbing issues. It would be beneficial to check your faucet for leaks or drips. Keeping your faucet clean can go a long way to maintaining good plumping. Regular checks should be made for buildup in the faucet. If you find that your pipes are clogged, make it a habit to avoid putting food waste that is difficult to grind down the garbage disposal. It may also be beneficial to apply some type of pipe shield to prevent waste from building up.
Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance
It’s important that checks are made to toilets for hidden leaks that may have developed during the winter months. If left untreated, running water can lead to a much more expensive water bill. Ensure that your toilets are flushing properly as well. If you notice that you need to apply excessive force in order for a flush to complete, it may be time to repair parts on your toilet.
Basement Plumbing Maintenance
It’s common for basements to have drains that remove wastewater from household appliances, and these drains may become clogged over periods of heavy use. In order to maintain them, it’s encouraged to participate in regular cleaning. Make an effort to clean these drains regularly and free them of debris and build up.
Fagone Plumbing: Seasonal Plumbing Experts
By providing special attention to all areas of your plumbing system this spring, you can rest assured that you will have a healthy plumbing system for the years to come. If your home or business needs a review of its current plumbing, give the experts at Fagone Plumbing a call.