When we think of spring cleaning, our minds usually go to cleaning out clutter in our houses or getting our outdoor space ready for the change in season. What we sometimes fail to realize is that our plumbing needs attention too. Now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to make sure that your plumbing system and appliances are in good condition.
Here’s a checklist of everything you need to do for your plumbing system to avoid running into any issues this spring.
Check Your Toilets
No one likes a leaky toilet, so checking for leaks in your bathrooms is an important step in your checklist. A leaking toilet can be a huge problem if it goes unnoticed, so you need to check both the toilet bowl and tank.
Pro tip: Add a few drops of colored food dye into the tank and wait about 30 minutes. After about half an hour, check the toilet bowl to see if the water is clear. If there’s coloring in the bowl, you most likely have a leak which needs to be checked by a professional.
Test Your Sump Pump
This time of year is when the spring rain comes in full force, so making sure your sump pump is working properly is crucial. To test out your sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it pumps out the water. Your sump pump should activate right away, pump out the water, and then deactivate. If this doesn’t happen, you might have an issue with your sump pump and you should have a professional assess the situation.
Water Heater Maintenance
For maximum efficiency, there are a few things you should check each spring when it comes to your water heater. First, make sure the water heater is set to no more than 120 degrees. This will also keep your energy bill lower. For general safety, make sure to move any items that are near your water heater away from the unit.
Having a professional drain your water heater once a year is also an important task to keep your unit in good condition.
Check Your Pipes
Check all of your faucets to make sure there is no water leaking out when the faucets are turned off. If you find leaks, even if they are minor, have them repaired to prevent a bigger leak down the line and increased water bill.
Clean Your Showerhead
Mineral buildup is very common on showerheads and it’s hard to avoid. However, there are a few ways you can remove mineral deposit. One way is by tying a bag of vinegar around your showerhead and soaking it overnight. If you prefer to use a stronger cleaning solution, most supermarkets sell specialized cleaners.
Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Do you ever think about what your garbage disposal goes through in a given week? The answer: a lot. Cleaning your garbage disposal will not only eliminate odors from all of the gunk and grime that runs through it, but it can also help your disposal run better.
Pro tip: Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap. Remove the drain stopper and turn your garbage disposal on as the water goes down. There you have it: a clean garbage disposal!
Check Your Washing Machine
Are the hoses in your washing machine over 10 years old and showing signs of wear and tear? If so, you should have them replaced. You should also check your lint trap to make sure no materials are finding their way into your plumbing system.
For all of your plumbing repairs and maintenance needs, you can rely on Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc.. We offer same-day scheduling and 24/7 emergency services, so you never have to worry about a plumbing issue disrupting your day.