What bores you?
Spring is a great time to refresh your home and get ready for the warmer weather. But while you’re dusting, decluttering, and planting flowers, don’t forget about your plumbing system. Your pipes, faucets, drains, and water heater need some attention too, especially after the cold winter months. Here are some tips on how to do a spring clean up for your plumbing system and prevent any problems down the road.
Check Your Outdoor Faucets
One of the first things you should do is check your outdoor faucets for any leaks or drips. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. Plus, it can damage your foundation and attract pests. To check for leaks, turn on the faucet and place your thumb over the opening. If you can stop the water flow, you have a leak. You may need to replace the washer or the entire faucet, depending on the severity of the leak.
Clean Your Showerheads
Another thing you should do is clean your showerheads to remove any mineral deposits that may have built up over time. Mineral deposits can reduce the water pressure and affect the quality of your shower. To clean your showerheads, unscrew them and soak them in white vinegar for an hour. Then, rinse them with water and reattach them. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn deposits.
Inspect Your Toilets
Your toilets are one of the most used fixtures in your home, so you want to make sure they are working properly. Check for any signs of leaks, such as water on the floor, around the base, or behind the tank. You can also test for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank and waiting for 15 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. You may need to replace the flapper, the fill valve, or the wax ring to fix the leak.
Another thing you should check is the water level in the tank. If the water level is too high, it can cause the toilet to run constantly and waste water. If the water level is too low, it can affect the flushing performance and cause clogs. You can adjust the water level by turning the screw on the fill valve or bending the float arm.
Check Your Sink Drains
Your sink drains can also get clogged with hair, soap, grease, and other debris. This can slow down the water flow and cause unpleasant odors. To prevent clogs, you should clean your sink drains regularly. You can use a plunger, a drain snake, or a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear the clogs. You should also avoid pouring any fats, oils, or grease down the drain, as they can solidify and cause blockages.
Check Your Irrigation System
If you have an irrigation system for your lawn or garden, you should also check it for any leaks or damage. Leaks can waste water and increase your water bill, as well as damage your plants and soil. To check for leaks, turn on your irrigation system and look for any wet spots, puddles, or low pressure. You may need to replace any broken or worn-out sprinkler heads, valves, or pipes.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater is another important part of your plumbing system that needs some maintenance. You should inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or rust. You should also drain and flush your water heater at least once a year to remove any sediment that may have accumulated at the bottom of the tank. Sediment can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater, as well as cause noises and odors. To drain and flush your water heater, follow these steps:
Turn off the power and the water supply to the water heater.
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end in a bucket or a drain.
Open the drain valve and let the water flow out until it is clear and free of sediment.
Close the drain valve and turn on the water supply to fill the tank.
Turn on the power and check for any leaks.
Call a Professional Plumber
While you can do some of the spring clean up tasks yourself, you may also want to call a professional plumber for a more thorough inspection and service. A plumber can check your plumbing system for any hidden issues, such as leaks, cracks, or clogs, and fix them before they become bigger and more expensive problems. A plumber can also advise you on how to improve your plumbing system, such as installing water-saving devices, upgrading your fixtures, or replacing your water heater.
By following these tips, you can do a spring clean up for your plumbing system and enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable summer. If you need any help with your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact us at 208-891-1104 www.2ThumbsUpPlumbing.com we are your trusted and experienced plumbers who can handle any plumbing issue, big or small. Call us today to schedule your appointment.