After a long winter, spring is finally on it’s way!
With the warm weather near, there’s much to look forward to! If you’re anything like us, you look forward to purging your home of clutter this time of year. That being said, spring cleaning should go further than sorting the garage and mopping the floors! It’s important that you don’t forget about your plumbing system!
Here’s a checklist to make sure your plumbing system is in tip-top shape this season!
1). Evaluate Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, pour a few buckets of water in it to make sure it operates properly. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems. If this doesn’t happen, don’t panic! Our team would be happy to provide an inspection to determine the cause of the blockage.
2). Give Your Toilets Attention
Are the toilets flushing properly? If you’re finding yourself jiggling the handles often, some parts may need to be replaced. Luckily, these repairs are usually pretty cheap. Improving this can also help minimize your water expenses too!
You’ll also want to check the toilets for hidden leaks. You can test this by adding 5-10 drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If there’s a leak, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes or so.
3). Check For Drips And Leaks
Open all the cabinets that have sinks and feel around for any moisture. Next, inspect your ceilings to make sure there are no water marks. If there are any signs of leaks, you should get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A tiny leak can seem like a small issue now, but things can take a turn for the worse in the blink of an eye.
4). Inspect The Hot Water Heater
You’ll want to take a look at the settings on your water heater. The temperature should be set to no higher than 120°F. By doing so, you’ll prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
Want to lengthen the lifespan of your water heater? Carefully drain a few gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment. This will also increase the efficiency of your water heater.
If your water heater is more than 15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. You can check the age of your water heater by assessing the first four digits of the serial number on the tank.
5). Test The Floor Drains
Test the floor drains by pouring a gallon of water down them. These drains are important because they help combat flooding and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.
6). Assess Your Hose Bib
Many of us are guilty of keeping our hoses attached to their hose bibs throughout the winter. Water supply pipe freezing can lead to expansion and even cracking. This can cause leakage and the need for full replacement. If you fail to replace the pipe, water damage is likely to occur in the future.
7). Don’t Forget About The Yard
Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out and free of debris.
Overwhelmed? Get Help From Talented Plumbers!
Overwhelmed by this spring to-do list? Our team would be happy to help! Stine-Nichols Plumbing serves Kansas City and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our effective and reliable professional care, request a free quote from us!
Please call us if you have any plumbing needs at (816) 348-3481 or email me at dstine@stinenichols.com