Spring is a time for many people to get organized around the house. Yet, it’s easy to ignore your plumbing when taking care of other household responsibilities. Here are some easy tips to help make sure your plumbing continues to work reliably throughout the coming months:
Water Heaters
This will be a good opportunity to make sure your water heater is working properly so that you don’t run the risk of having to take cold showers. First, make sure the temperature setting is correct — most experts recommend it stay no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only will this reduce the amount of energy the appliance uses, it will also reduce the chances that scalding will occur.
One of the biggest enemies of a water heater is corrosion, which will not only make the unit inefficient, but also reduce its lifespan. Drain a few gallons from the tank to flush out the sediment that leads to corrosion.
If your unit is 15 years or older, consider having it replaced. A newer model will be much more efficient, helping you save money on your energy bill each month.
Other Appliances
Take a close look at the supply hoses that run to your icemaker, washing machine and dishwasher. If you see any signs of leaks or bulges, have them replaced as soon as you can. This is especially important if the hoses are more than 10 years old. Make sure to use stainless steel replacement hoses, because they are more durable and will pose less of a risk of bursting.
In addition, don’t forget to clean the lint trap of your washing machine, which is typically located along the internal recess of the unit and helps keep lint from blocking the drain. You may even want to consider having a plumber install a wire trap filter at the end of the drain hose to help improve drainage.
If you have a home with a basement, you more than likely have a sump pump installed.Check the pump so that you know it will be ready to do its job if flooding should occur. Pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump will activate. It should turn on automatically, discharge the water and then shut off. Consider installing a flood alarm if you haven’t already, not only in the basement but your bathrooms as well.
Bathrooms
Speaking of the bathroom, look at your toilet and check for any kinds of leaks. You can easily spot an issue by adding some food coloring to the tank. If you see the water in your bowl changing colors after about 20 or 30 minutes, that means there is a problem with one of the components in the tank. Most people can replace these components on their own, but call a plumber if you’re not comfortable trying to perform this type of job.
Pay attention to the valves that supply water to your sinks and toilets as well. Over time, mineral deposits, rust, caulk and other materials can clog those valves and reduce the efficiency of your plumbing. Check to make sure you can turn the valves on and off easily so they work properly.
Kitchen
Just like the bathroom, you will also want to do a once-over of your kitchen plumbing as well. In addition to appliances, look at all fixtures to make sure there are no drips or leaks. Look at your faucet’s aerator (the screen located where the water comes out) and check for mineral deposits. Unscrew the aerator and soak it in vinegar overnight to clear any accumulation of minerals.
Outside the Home
Don’t ignore areas surrounding your home while making your spring plumbing checks. For instance, make sure your gutters, downspouts and yard drains are all clean and clear of debris such as leaves, grass clippings and more. Look at all your vent pipes and make sure there are no bird nests. Also, check all of your outdoor faucets—as well as your hose bibs—to confirm water can freely flow through them. If you have a leak in an outdoor faucet, or you notice any sort of leaking inside the home when you turn that faucet on, that could be a sign a winter freeze cracked the pipe and it will need to be replaced by a professional.
In the midst of your spring-cleaning, consider having a plumber you trust perform a walk-through to make sure everything is working properly and efficiently; that way you can help to ensure your home will remain comfortable and functional all season.
Patricia Bonacorda is the President of Spartan Plumbing, a plumbing and HVAC Company.
This post was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for winning real estate tips and trends for you and your clients.
