Spring is around the corner. Now is the best time to check your home for any maintenance concerns before the spring rains hit. Our tips below will help keep your plumbing running efficiently throughout the season.
Bathrooms and Kitchen
Your bathrooms and kitchen are natural places to start. Be on the lookout for leaks wherever they may come.
- Faucets: Examine your faucets for any drips. If you have to push the faucet extremely tight to make it stop, you may have a problem.
- Drain Strainers: Stop drain problems proactively by adding a strainer to sinks. Any hair, soap, or debris will stop here before it has a chance to become trapped in your pipes.
- Toilet Leaks: Toilets can hide leaks because there is water in the tank and the bowl. To uncover a leak, add about six drops of food coloring to the tank then check the bowl after a half hour. If you see any coloring, you may have a problem.
- Toilet Flushing: Examine your toilet for flushing issues. If you have to hold the handle down or wiggle it, peek inside for the offending piece and replace it. The part should be inexpensive. Plus, you should see immediate savings on your bill and frustration.
- Shower Head: Remove mineral deposits with vinegar. Place the head into a dish full of vinegar and soak it overnight. In the morning, scrub off any remaining deposits.
Water Heater
Many aspects of water heater maintenance will require a professional technician. But there are a few things you can do to make sure your appliance runs smoothly.
- Temperature Level: Monitor the water temperature. It should be below 120° to prevent scalding. Temperatures above this level will waste energy.
- Partial Flush: Drain a few gallons of water from your system to flush out sediment. This flushing will prevent corrosion and extend the life of your appliance. The manufacturer’s website should list instructions for your model.
- Age of Water Heater: Consider replacing your water heater if you have had it for 15 years or longer. Check its age by looking at the first four digits in the serial number; they represent the month and the year of manufacture.
Sump Pump
Check your sump pump before the spring rains begin.
- Drain Check: Check your sump pump’s health by pouring in a bucket of water to activate its drain. Monitor how long this process takes.
- Debris Removal: Check around your sump pump for any leaves, clutter, or debris. Blockage of your system could prevent timely draining if your basement floods.
The professionals at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection can help you get your home spring ready with our full-service maintenance offerings. Our leak detection licensed and certified technicians will fix any problems you have saving you money on your next water bill. Give us a call today at 972-774-8722.