Spring is a very good time to maintain your plumbing system, as well as assess any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Below is a list of maintenance tips that will help keep your plumbing system in good working order throughout the rest of the year.
- Check your pipes for leaks. This may seem like an obvious task, but many homeowners neglect this maintenance chore. You are looking for leaks in the faucet connections and pipes that are visible under sinks and in the basement. Fixing these leaks will have the additional benefit of lowering your water bill.
- Check your toilet for leaks. If you aren’t sure that your bowl or tank is leaking, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and check to see if you notice it in the bowl or on the floor after an hour.
- Check your water heater. Look for objects too near the heater, which may impact the efficiency and definitely increases the safety risk. Ensure that the temperature is set no higher than 120°. If your water heater is 15 years old or older, it is time to consider purchasing a new one. Newer water heaters are far more efficient and dependable, which will save you money in the long run.
- Check your appliances. Check the water supply hoses in your dishwasher, ice maker, and washer for bulges and leaks. A bulge indicates a weak hose, and it may rupture with more use, so it is recommended that you replace the hose entirely. It is recommended when replacing those hoses that you use stainless steel hoses to increase the durability and the life of the hose.
- Test your sump pump. Having a sump pump break down is a messy and disgusting problem to have, so regular checks on the device’s ability to function are very important.
Don’t forget to check any outdoor plumbing and drains while you are performing these checks. If you run into any problems or just have questions, please contact our experts at Birmingham Plumbing, Heating and Air.
