Spring is quickly approaching, and your yard is not the only thing in need of maintenance. Spring cleaning should also apply to the maintenance of your plumbing system. The long winter season tends to take a considerable toll on your plumbing. From garden sprinklers, showers and drains, to toilets and garbage disposals, all of these deserve a minute of your time. Making sure your home is prepared for spring begins with a quick assessment of the plumbing system. Think of the assessment as the first step of your plumbing maintenance ensuring that your home is safe and sound all year long.
5 tips to make sure your plumbing system is ready for spring
1. Check Outlets and Pipes for leakage – Water damage accounts for almost a quarter of all homeowner claims. Unforeseen leaks compromise the safety of your home and can place you at risk of costly plumbing emergencies.. For this reason, one must check sink, shower and bath outlets, toilets, and washing machines for any signs of leaks. The water supply lines should be checked for leaks, tears, and bulges. In order to ensure the utmost safety, it is best to replace them immediately.
2. Be prepared for Clogs – During the long winter months, drains can accumulate debris. If the drains back up regularly, you should hire a professional plumber to clean out the drains. Also, consider installing drain strainers to prevent blockage of the drain.Clogged drains can prove difficult to clean and often leads to sewer line problems. This is normally caused by a buildup of waste material and non-flushable items. It is a good idea to have the sewer line inspected once a year to make sure it is clear of any obstructions. Early detection is key to the prevention of costly emergency repairs.
3. Check for water pressure problems – Low water pressure can be a terrible nuisance. Amid inadequate water pressure, even the simplest tasks such as bathing, washing machine, dry cleaning, and dishwashing can become troublesome. Every homeowner is likely to experience this problem at some point. It would be best if you eradicate the issue quickly. Water pressure problems are mainly caused by faulty pressure meters, inadequate pressure regulators, blocked faucet aerators or damaged fixtures. A professional plumber will have the right skills and tools to quickly determine the cause of the low pressure.
4. Get your gutters and downpipes inspected – Along with an occasional warm breeze, spring can bring unpredictable weather and rain. A clogged gutter or downpipes will eventually cause interior dampness and, even worse – dry rot and timber decay. Faulty gutters and downpipes are even capable of damaging home foundations and basements. Since gutters or downpipes are highly prone to clogging up with all kinds of debris, it becomes imperative to make sure they are working perfectly to handle excessive rain.
5. Maintain a good kitchen regime – Kitchen sinks handle all sorts washing and rinsing activities. This can lead to a fair amount of materials not meant to be flushed heading down the drain. There are many measures you can take to prevent kitchen drain problems. Here are some tips for keeping a healthy kitchen sink system:
- You should never dump grease, oils, or fat edibles down the drain. They thicken and cause a blockage.
- Prevent sink clogs; minimize food remains and throw in the trash instead.
- Frequently run hot water down the drain to prevent clogging.
- Avoid using harsh drain cleaners. They are poisonous and can even cause more damage to your plumbing.
Over time, your home’s plumbing system can become corroded and more prone to fail. Regular maintenance can increase the systems lifespan and help you to prevent costly repairs. Count on a professional plumbing service, with the training, experience, and proper equipment, to ensure that your plumbing system is ready for every season.