Spring Plumbing Checklist
Spring is just around the corner. Most homeowners are already planning their spring cleaning to organize and de-clutter their homes. Adding some plumbing maintenance can be extremely helpful to your system at this time of the year, as it can help save money and prevent problems from arising in more critical times of the year. Below we have compiled a list of things you can do to prepare your plumbing system for spring so that you can add it to your spring cleaning routine.
Inspect The Water Heater
Look for any signs of water leaks or corrosion around the panels or even on the floor. We recommend having your water heater drained at least once a year. Sediment can collect at the bottom, potentially backing up your system, resulting in higher power bills, and sabotaging the lifespan of your unit. To drain your water heater, you want to turn off the unit and drain at least 3 gallons of water into a bucket.
If at any point you are uncomfortable draining your water heater yourself, contact a professional spring plumbing expert. If your water heater is older than 15 years, you should consider replacing it.
Check Appliances
Inspect your dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machines for any leaks or bulges on the supply hoses. If any hose is over 10 years old, replace it. We recommend stainless steel hoses. If your washing mashing uses a lint trap, check it and clean it to prevent the lint from blocking the drain.
Inspect Fixtures
Check your faucets, showerheads, and even toilets for any water leaks. If you’re having a tough time checking if your toilet is leaking, try adding a couple of drops of blue food coloring to the reservoir. If your toilet is leaking, after about 20 to 30 minutes, you will find blue water in the bowl. Change your tub and shower strainers to prevent soap, hair, and any other debris from clogging the drain. Check your faucets and showerheads for any hard water; if you do have some hard water signs (white and chalky residue), consider changing your fixtures.
Outdoor
Do not neglect your outdoor plumbing. Make sure that your gutters, downspouts, and yard drains are clean to preserve effective draining. Check any vent pipes, as birds like to nest inside these.
Ensure all your external valves are working properly. If you find that they are leaking, you may have a cracked pipe. If at any point you are not comfortable performing any of these maintenance routines, contact your local plumber at Plumbing Utah Heating & Air.