Spring is almost here, and that means it’s time to make your springtime home maintenance checklist! If “prepare plumbing for spring” isn’t usually on your list, add it this year. The best way to keep your home’s plumbing system in good shape is to take good care of it, as well as schedule regular maintenance and plumbing repair services for any problems. As the warmer weather creeps in, prepare your plumbing for spring in these ways:
Check Your Faucets
An easy and important way to prepare plumbing for spring is to check all the faucets in your home. If they have poor water pressure, are leaking, or are having other problems, call a plumber now to beat the spring and summer rush.
Start Yard Work
Even though you might not be thinking about yard work as a way to prepare plumbing for spring, it’s actually an important part of the process. In order to keep your plumbing system healthy, do the following yard work:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Ensure downspouts face away from your home’s foundation
- Clear storm drains of debris
- Remove leaves or branches that can get washed into drains from your yard
Test Your Toilets For Leaks
Is there water around the base of your toilet? Is your toilet bowl not filling up or leaking water constantly? You can perform a simple test to check for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, then check the toilet bowl 30 minutes later. If there’s food coloring in the bowl, your toilet could be leaking.
Are you having trouble flushing or experiencing frequent drain backups? If you think you need toilet drain cleaning in Lehigh Valley, PA, or surrounding communities, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our team now.
Examine Your Washer Hoses
Behind the washing machine is an abyss filled with socks, dust, and lint that no one ever dares venture into… except you, we hope, as part of your checklist to prepare plumbing for spring. Check your washer hoses to ensure they aren’t loose or leaking. A washer leak can cause your whole laundry room to flood and can even impact the foundation of your home.
Turn On Your Outdoor Faucets
Before you need your outdoor faucets during the height of the spring gardening season, it’s a good idea to test them to see if they’re working properly. Turn on all outdoor faucets and check they are working at maximum efficiency.
Prepare Your Sump Pump
Not everyone has a sump pump, but if you do, you’ve likely experienced the benefits of flooding prevention, water conservation, and more that these awesome systems can provide. Your sump pump does a lot for you — so return the favor by examining it as part of your routine to prepare plumbing for spring. To take care of your sump pump:
- Disconnect its power source.
- Remove and clean the pump, including the screen/inlet. The directions should be in your owner’s manual.
- Return the unit to its place, turn it back on, and test run it by pouring in some water to see if it works properly.
Flush Your Water Heater
One of the best ways to prepare plumbing for spring is to flush out your water heater. Over time, debris builds up in the tank, causing the inside coating to erode and deteriorate. By flushing your water heater yourself or calling plumbing repair services professionals to do so, you’ll be protecting your investment for many more years.
Check Your Pipes
A burst pipe is a nightmare for many homeowners, and there’s no better time to make sure you aren’t in danger of this plumbing catastrophe than when you’re taking the time to prepare plumbing for spring. Check pipes for cracks, holes, and leaks. Also, be on the lookout for any sweating or mold and moss growth on your pipes since these can indicate problems as well.
Have Your Drains Cleaned
Last but not least on your checklist to prepare plumbing for spring is to have your drains cleaned! Schedule routine drain cleaning with plumbing professionals rather than relying on liquid drain cleaners, which can harm your pipes. Doing things the right way helps keep your plumbing system healthy for years to come.
Plumbing Problems? Turn to Curtis Total Service
If you find anything concerning as you prepare plumbing for spring, get in touch with Curtis Total Service right away. We’re also here for other services such as water heater upgrades, HVAC repair and replacement, or anything else you can imagine around the house! Contact us today and let us help you get ready to enjoy spring worry-free this year.